# 掌上明珠

zhǎng shàng míng zhū

A deeply cherished child or loved one

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** A bright pearl held in the palm

**Register:** Appreciative · expressive

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Usually describe a daughter treasured by her family.

Affection does not necessarily imply spoiling.

## Understanding the expression

A precious pearl held carefully in the hand gives the expression its tenderness. The person is treasured, protected, and regarded as especially dear. Parents most often use it about a beloved daughter, though context can extend the image to another cherished person. It describes emotional value rather than financial worth. Loving someone as a precious pearl does not by itself mean giving them everything they want or denying them independence.

## Examples

女儿是他们的掌上明珠。

### Traditional Chinese

女兒是他們的掌上明珠。

nǚ ér shì tā men de zhǎng shàng míng zhū 。

Their daughter is their precious treasure.

这个小孙女是爷爷的掌上明珠。

### Traditional Chinese

這個小孫女是爺爺的掌上明珠。

zhè ge xiǎo sūn nǚ shì yé ye de zhǎng shàng míng zhū 。

This little granddaughter is the apple of her grandfather’s eye.

她虽是掌上明珠，却很独立。

### Traditional Chinese

她雖是掌上明珠，卻很獨立。

tā suī shì zhǎng shàng míng zhū ， què hěn dú lì 。

Although deeply cherished by her family, she is very independent.

父亲一直把她当作掌上明珠。

### Traditional Chinese

父親一直把她當作掌上明珠。

fù qīn yì zhí bǎ tā dàng zuò zhǎng shàng míng zhū 。

Her father has always treasured her dearly.

## 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=%E6%8E%8C%E4%B8%8A%E6%98%8E%E7%8F%A0)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=701&webMd=1&la=0)

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