Japanese word

高尚

Pronunciation

Romajikōshō

Meaning

  • na-adjectivenoble

Example

彼の理想は高尚です。kare no ri sō wa kō shō de su

His ideal is noble.

Illustration for 高尚 (noble)

More examples

彼の行動には高尚な精神が表れています。kare no kō dō ni wa kō shō na sei shin ga arawa re te i ma su

His actions reveal a noble spirit.

Core concept

Describes something as elevated above ordinary concerns and marked by moral or cultural refinement.

Common phrases

  • 高尚な目的kō shō na moku teki

    noble purpose

  • 高尚な精神kō shō na sei shin

    noble spirit

  • 高尚な理想kō shō na ri sō

    noble ideal

Similar words

崇高sūkō: Describes an ideal or purpose as morally elevated and worthy of deep respect.
高遠takatō: Describes an ideal or purpose as lofty, broad in scope, and difficult to attain.
上品jōhin: Describes behavior, taste, or style as refined, restrained, and free from vulgarity.

Definition in Japanese

人の考えや行いなどが、俗っぽさを離れて気高く立派であるさま。hito no kanga e ya okona i na do ga zoku ppo sa o hana re te ke daka ku rip pa de a ru sa ma

Word origin

高尚 (kōshō) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 高 (kō, "high") and 尚 (shō, "esteem"), combining elevation with valued qualities.

Usage tips

  • 高尚 (kōshō) can describe an ideal, hobby, or taste, so it often points to the perceived quality of a pursuit rather than a person's social rank.

Other meanings

  • refinedna-adjective

Opposites

  • 低俗teizokuvulgarna-adjective

Related words

  • 高尚さkōshōsanobilitynoun

Word lists with this word