高层

• Pinyin: gāo céng
• Hanzi breakdown: 高 = pictograph of a tall building; 层 = 尸 (body) + 曾 (once) — stacked levels

Meaning

High-level; upper echelon; senior management; high-rise (building). Refers to top levels of organizations or tall buildings.

In organizational contexts, refers to senior executives, top management, or high-ranking officials. In architectural contexts, describes high-rise buildings. Often implies decision-making power and authority when referring to people.

Examples

1. 公司高层决定下个季度进行大规模的组织架构调整。 Senior management has decided to carry out a large-scale organizational restructuring next quarter.
2. 这栋高层住宅楼有三十二层，是这片区域最高的建筑。 This high-rise residential building has thirty-two floors and is the tallest structure in this area.
3. 据说高层之间存在意见分歧，导致决策迟迟无法做出。 It's said there are disagreements among senior leadership, causing delays in decision-making.

Usage Guide

Context: business, politics, architecture

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 这件事需要高层批准。(This matter requires approval from senior management.)
• 他住在高层，视野很好。(He lives on a high floor with a great view.)

Don't Say

• 我是一个高层。(高层 is collective — say 我是高管 or 我是高层管理人员)

Origin & History

Compound of 高 (high, tall) and 层 (layer, level). Originally referred to high floors of buildings, later extended to mean high levels of organizations.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional