Chinese word

高尚

Pronunciation

Pinyingāo shàng

Meaning

  • adjectivenoble

Example

他的爱好很高尚。tā de ài hào hěn gāo shàng

His hobby is very refined.

Illustration for 高尚 (noble)

More examples

她有高尚的情操。tā yǒu gāo shàng de qíng cāo

She has noble sentiments.

Core concept

A raised inner standard that makes character and conduct worthy of respect.

Common phrases

  • 高尚的品性gāo shàng de pǐn xìng

    noble character

  • 高尚的情操gāo shàng de qíng cāo

    noble sentiments

  • 高尚的人格gāo shàng de rén gé

    noble personality

Similar words

高贵gāo guì: Distinguished by high social standing or an admirable, honorable character.
崇高chóng gāo: Expressing exceptionally lofty ideals or spirit that inspire reverence.
高雅gāo yǎ: Polished, tasteful, and elegant in language, manners, interests, or style.
高洁gāo jié: Clean in character and conduct, without selfish motives or dishonest behavior.

Definition in Chinese

形容人的品格、思想或行为崇高、正直，带有道德或精神层面的赞扬色彩。xíng róng rén de pǐn gé sī xiǎng huò xíng wéi chóng gāo zhèng zhí dài yǒu dào dé huò jīng shén céng miàn de zàn yáng sè cǎi

Word origin

高 (gāo, "high") + 尚 (shàng, "to esteem") combines being high with being honored, shifting physical height into elevated character and ideals.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 高尚 (gāoshàng, "noble") sounds more formal than a light compliment and suits praise of a person's motives, ideals, or conduct rather than taste or appearance.

Other meanings

  • refinedadjective
  • admirableadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word