Definition

1. Noun:
   • National treasure: A person, place, object, or cultural artifact of immense value and significance to a nation, often representing its history, identity, or highest artistic achievement.
   • Precious object of the nation: A literal translation, referring to a physical item deemed invaluable and worthy of preservation by the state.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Áo dài được coi là một quốc bảo của Việt Nam. (The áo dài is considered a national treasure of Vietnam.)
  • Bảo tàng đang trưng bày một quốc bảo từ triều Nguyễn. (The museum is displaying a national treasure from the Nguyen dynasty.)
  • Nghệ sĩ đó là một quốc bảo của nền âm nhạc nước nhà. (That artist is a national treasure of the country's music scene.)

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically to describe a revered, highly skilled, or beloved public figure, similar to the English usage of "national treasure" for esteemed artists or elders.
• It often carries a formal and solemn tone, implying something is to be protected and cherished by all citizens.

Variants and Related Words

• Bảo vật quốc gia (n): This is the more modern, official legal term for a nationally recognized "national treasure" or "national relic," often certified by law.
  • Bức tranh này đã được công nhận là bảo vật quốc gia. (This painting has been recognized as a national treasure.)

Synonyms

• National treasure: The direct and most common equivalent.
• Cultural treasure: Emphasizes cultural, rather than general national, value.
• Priceless heritage: Highlights inherited value.

Related Idioms

• While "quốc bảo" itself is not typically part of a common idiom, it conceptually relates to the idea of something being "vô giá" (priceless) or "niềm tự hào dân tộc" (a source of national pride).