提高

• Pinyin: tí gāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 提 = 扌(hand) + 是 (phonetic); 高 = pictograph of a tall structure or tower

Meaning

To improve; to raise; to enhance. To make something higher in level, quality, or ability.

A very common compound verb used for improvement in abilities, standards, or levels. Frequently paired with abstract nouns: 提高水平 (improve skill level), 提高成绩 (improve grades), 提高效率 (increase efficiency). Used in both spoken and written Chinese across all contexts.

Examples

1. 我想提高我的中文水平。 I want to improve my Chinese level.
2. 多练习可以提高成绩。 More practice can improve your grades.
3. 公司希望提高工作效率。 The company hopes to increase work efficiency.

Usage Guide

Context: education, work, self-improvement

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 怎样才能提高英语水平？(How can I improve my English level?)
• 他的成绩提高了很多。(His grades have improved a lot.)

Don't Say

• 提高我的身高 (Don't use 提高 for physical height — it's for abstract levels and abilities; say 长高 for growing taller)

Origin & History

提 (tí, to raise/lift) + 高 (gāo, high/tall). Literally to 'raise higher' — to elevate the level or quality of something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal