yǒu jiàzhí: 有价值 - Valuable, Worthwhile

• Keywords: youjiazhi, yǒu jiàzhí, 有价值, valuable in Chinese, worthwhile meaning, Chinese for value, has value, Chinese adjective, HSK 4 vocabulary, 价值, 值得
• Summary: Learn how to use “有价值” (yǒu jiàzhí), the essential Chinese term for describing something as “valuable” or “worthwhile”. This page breaks down its meaning, cultural context, and practical usage, from describing a valuable asset in business to a worthwhile life experience. With 10 clear example sentences and comparisons to related terms like “值得” (zhídé) and “宝贵” (bǎoguì), you'll master how to express value and worth in Mandarin Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): yǒu jiàzhí
• Part of Speech: Adjective / Adjectival Phrase
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To have value; to be valuable or worthwhile.
• In a Nutshell: “有价值” is a straightforward and common way to state that something possesses worth. This “worth” can be monetary (like an antique), practical (like good advice), intellectual (like a groundbreaking study), or experiential (like a challenging journey). It's a fundamental term for assessing and communicating the importance and utility of things, ideas, and experiences.

• 有 (yǒu): A foundational character meaning “to have,” “to possess,” or “there is.” It indicates existence or ownership.
• 价 (jià): This character means “price” or “value.” It's composed of the “person” radical (亻) on the left, suggesting human assessment of worth.
• 值 (zhí): This character means “worth” or “value.” It can also be a verb meaning “to be worth.”

Together, 有 (to have) + 价值 (value/price) literally and logically means “to have value.” The combination is clear and leaves little room for ambiguity.

In Chinese culture, the concept of “价值” (jiàzhí) is multifaceted, balancing tangible and intangible worth. While Western culture might sometimes lean heavily on individualistic or monetary value, Chinese culture often assesses value through a wider lens that includes benefit to the group, be it the family, the company, or society. For example, an activity is considered 有价值 not just if it's profitable or personally fulfilling, but also if it contributes to family harmony, builds social connections (关系 - guānxi), or upholds moral principles. This is reflected in the important modern term 价值观 (jiàzhíguān), meaning “value system” or “values,” which is a frequent topic of discussion in Chinese society regarding personal, corporate, and national principles. Unlike the English “valuable,” which can be a very personal and emotional descriptor (e.g., “This old photo is valuable to me”), 有价值 often carries a slightly more objective or practical connotation. An item is valuable because of its market price, its utility, or its recognized importance, not just sentimental attachment. For sentiment, a word like 宝贵 (bǎoguì - precious) might be more appropriate.

有价值 is a versatile term used across various domains. It's generally neutral in formality and can be used in both written and spoken Chinese.

• Business and Economics: This is a very common context. You can talk about a 有价值的投资 (yǒu jiàzhí de tóuzī - a valuable investment), 有价值的客户 (yǒu jiàzhí de kèhù - a valuable client), or 有价值的资产 (yǒu jiàzhí de zīchǎn - a valuable asset).
• Information and Ideas: Information, suggestions, and feedback are frequently described with this term. E.g., “你的建议很有价值。” (Nǐ de jiànyì hěn yǒu jiàzhí - Your suggestion is very valuable.)
• Personal Growth and Experience: Life experiences, lessons, and even failures can be described as 有价值. It implies that something was learned or gained from the experience, making it “worthwhile.”
• Academic and Research: A study, paper, or discovery can be described as 有价值 to signify its contribution to the field.

• Example 1:
  • 专家认为这幅画很有价值。
  • Pinyin: Zhuānjiā rènwéi zhè fú huà hěn yǒu jiàzhí.
  • English: The expert believes this painting is very valuable.
  • Analysis: A straightforward use for an object with monetary or artistic worth.
• Example 2:
  • 谢谢你，你的建议对我们非常有价值。
  • Pinyin: Xièxiè nǐ, nǐ de jiànyì duì wǒmen fēicháng yǒu jiàzhí.
  • English: Thank you, your suggestions are extremely valuable to us.
  • Analysis: Used here to describe intangible advice, common in a professional or formal setting.
• Example 3:
  • 这次失败的经历，对我来说也是有价值的。
  • Pinyin: Zhè cì shībài de jīnglì, duì wǒ lái shuō yě shì yǒu jiàzhí de.
  • English: This experience of failure was also valuable for me.
  • Analysis: This shows how even negative experiences can be framed as “worthwhile” lessons. The 的 (de) at the end turns the phrase into a descriptor.
• Example 4:
  • 我们应该把时间花在更有价值的事情上。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen yīnggāi bǎ shíjiān huā zài gèng yǒu jiàzhí de shìqíng shàng.
  • English: We should spend our time on more worthwhile things.
  • Analysis: Used comparatively (更 - gèng - more) to prioritize tasks or activities.
• Example 5:
  • 这份报告提供了许多有价值的信息。
  • Pinyin: Zhè fèn bàogào tígōngle xǔduō yǒu jiàzhí de xìnxī.
  • English: This report provided a lot of valuable information.
  • Analysis: A common collocation, “valuable information” (有价值的信息).
• Example 6:
  • 他是公司里最有价值的员工之一。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì gōngsī lǐ zuì yǒu jiàzhí de yuángōng zhī yī.
  • English: He is one of the most valuable employees in the company.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates how to describe a person's professional worth to an organization.
• Example 7:
  • 你觉得这本书对初学者有价值吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ juédé zhè běn shū duì chūxuézhě yǒu jiàzhí ma?
  • English: Do you think this book is valuable for beginners?
  • Analysis: Shows the question form and how to specify for whom something is valuable (对… - duì…).
• Example 8:
  • 他的研究成果具有很高的学术价值。
  • Pinyin: Tā de yánjiū chéngguǒ jùyǒu hěn gāo de xuéshù jiàzhí.
  • English: His research results possess high academic value.
  • Analysis: Here, 具有 (jùyǒu) is a more formal synonym for 有 (yǒu), often used in written or academic contexts. The core concept remains the same.
• Example 9:
  • 找到一个真正有价值的人生目标并不容易。
  • Pinyin: Zhǎodào yí ge zhēnzhèng yǒu jiàzhí de rénshēng mùbiāo bìng bù róngyì.
  • English: It is not easy to find a truly worthwhile life goal.
  • Analysis: Used for abstract and profound concepts like life goals.
• Example 10:
  • 如果一个东西没有用，那它就没什么价值。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ yí ge dōngxi méiyǒu yòng, nà tā jiù méishénme jiàzhí.
  • English: If something isn't useful, then it doesn't have much value.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the negative form, “doesn't have value” (没有价值 or 没什么价值).

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 有价值 (yǒu jiàzhí) and 值得 (zhídé).

• 有价值 (yǒu jiàzhí): Describes the inherent quality of an object, idea, or experience. It is an adjective. It answers the question, “What is this thing's nature?”
  • Correct: 这本书很有价值。 (Zhè běn shū hěn yǒu jiàzhí.) - This book is very valuable. (Describes the book's quality).
• 值得 (zhídé): Is a verb meaning “to be worth (doing something).” It is always followed by a verb or action. It answers the question, “Is this action worth the effort/time/money?”
  • Correct: 这本书值得一读。 (Zhè běn shū zhídé yī dú.) - This book is worth a read.
  • Incorrect: ~~这本书很值得。~~ (This is a common mistake. 值得 needs a verb after it.)
  • Incorrect: ~~这个建议值得。~~ Instead, you should say: 这个建议值得考虑 (This suggestion is worth considering) or 这个建议很有价值 (This suggestion is very valuable).

Think of it this way: If something is 有价值, then it is often 值得 you to do something with it (read it, buy it, consider it).

• 价值 (jiàzhí) - The noun form, meaning “value” or “worth.” 有价值 is simply “to have” (有) this “value” (价值).
• 值得 (zhídé) - A verb meaning “to be worth (doing).” Used to justify an action, whereas 有价值 describes a static quality.
• 宝贵 (bǎoguì) - Precious; valuable. Carries a stronger emotional weight. Often used for non-material things like time (宝贵的时间), experience (宝贵的经验), or memories.
• 重要 (zhòngyào) - Important. Something can be important without being valuable in a practical or monetary sense (e.g., “It's important to be on time”). There is significant overlap, but 有价值 often implies utility or worth.
• 有意义 (yǒu yìyì) - Meaningful; significant. Closely related but focuses on emotional or philosophical significance rather than practical value. A trip can be both 有价值 (you learned a lot) and 有意义 (it changed your perspective).
• 价格 (jiàgé) - Price. This refers strictly to the monetary cost of an item.
• 价值观 (jiàzhíguān) - Value system; one's values or principles. A key sociological and philosophical term built from 价值.
• 无价之宝 (wú jià zhī bǎo) - An idiom for “a priceless treasure.” This is the ultimate expression of being 有价值.