天珠

tiānzhū

noun

Measure Word

一颗天珠 kē

Meanings

1 dzi bead — an etched agate stone bead from Tibet, prized as a talisman

Characters

Examples

藏族人认为天珠有辟邪的力量。

Zàngzú rén rènwéi tiānzhū yǒu bìxié de lìliàng.

Tibetans believe dzi beads have the power to ward off evil.

这串天珠价值连城。

Zhè chuàn tiānzhū jiàzhí liánchéng.

This string of dzi beads is priceless.

Tips

culture

Literally 'heaven beads.' The patterned eyes (1-eye, 9-eye, etc.) are believed to bring different blessings — 9-eye dzi (九眼天珠) are the most coveted. Ancient specimens can sell at auction for millions of RMB.

Stroke Order

天 tiān

珠 zhū