# 一刻千金

yī kè qiān jīn

A brief moment is extremely precious

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** One quarter-hour is worth a thousand gold pieces

**Register:** Warm · literary

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Emphasize valuable time, especially a rare shared moment.

Figurative value, not a fixed monetary calculation.

## Understanding the expression

Gold gives a short period an extraordinary value, suggesting that the opportunity within it cannot be easily replaced. The expression can describe a reunion, an important meeting, or limited time at a decisive moment. It is more than a general instruction to hurry. The value comes from what the moment makes possible. Learners should connect it to a particular opportunity rather than treating every minute of every day as equally urgent and irreplaceable.

## Examples

难得相聚，今晚一刻千金。

### Traditional Chinese

難得相聚，今晚一刻千金。

nán dé xiāng jù ， jīn wǎn yī kè qiān jīn 。

Our rare evening together is precious.

决赛前的训练时间一刻千金。

### Traditional Chinese

決賽前的訓練時間一刻千金。

jué sài qián de xùn liàn shí jiān yī kè qiān jīn 。

Training time before the final is extremely valuable.

与导师见面的半小时一刻千金。

### Traditional Chinese

與導師見面的半小時一刻千金。

yǔ dǎo shī jiàn miàn de bàn xiǎo shí yī kè qiān jīn 。

The half-hour with the mentor is precious.

别一直看手机，这次团聚一刻千金。

### Traditional Chinese

別一直看手機，這次團聚一刻千金。

bié yì zhí kàn shǒu jī ， zhè cì tuán jù yī kè qiān jīn 。

Put the phone away; this reunion time is precious.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E4%B8%80%E5%88%BB%E5%8D%83%E9%87%91)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=571&webMd=1&la=0)

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