Chinese Idiom: 无价之宝 (Wu Jia Zhi Bao)
English Translation: Something Priceless
pīn yīn: wú jià zhī bǎo
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes something that is so valuable that it cannot be measured by any monetary price. It is used to express the extraordinary worth or irreplaceable nature of an item or quality.
Historical Source: Yin Wen Zi (尹文子) – The Great Way (大道上)
Idiom Story
In the State of Wei, a farmer was working in his field when he accidentally uncovered a piece of jade more than a foot long. Not recognizing its true value, the farmer decided to take it to his knowledgeable neighbor for identification.
The neighbor, although unable to identify the jade, claimed that it was an ill omen and advised the farmer to return it to its place to avoid any misfortune. Trusting the neighbor’s advice, the farmer left the jade behind and went home. The neighbor, seizing the opportunity, secretly retrieved the jade after the farmer had left.
That night, under the moonlight, the jade glowed brilliantly, illuminating the entire room. The neighbor’s wife, terrified by the jade’s dazzling light, warned her husband that such a valuable item could attract thieves or robbers. The neighbor, considering his wife’s concerns, decided to sell the jade for money to ensure their safety and improve their living conditions.
However, his wife suggested a better plan: presenting the jade to the king. She reasoned that the king would be delighted with such a treasure and would reward them generously. Agreeing with this strategy, the neighbor took the jade to the royal palace.
The king, upon receiving the jade, had it examined by experts. The appraisers declared that its value was beyond measure and could not be compared to even five city walls. Overjoyed by the find, the king rewarded the neighbor with substantial wealth. The neighbor, grateful for the king’s generosity, shared a portion of the reward with the farmer, ensuring that both the neighbor and the farmer lived prosperous lives from then on.
Thus, “无价之宝” became synonymous with something of extraordinary and immeasurable value, reflecting the jade’s priceless worth and the story of its discovery and recognition.
