高昂

• Pinyin: gāo áng
• Hanzi breakdown: 高 = 高 (tall/high); 昂 = 日 + 卬 (raise head)

Meaning

High; lofty; elevated. As an adjective, soaring (prices), high-spirited (morale), or resounding (voice).

Describes things that are elevated in a figurative sense: expensive prices, elevated spirits, or voices raised in intensity. Often implies reaching above normal levels.

Examples

1. 石油价格持续高昂影响了全球经济。 Persistently high oil prices have affected the global economy.
2. 运动员们士气高昂地走入赛场。 The athletes marched into the arena with high spirits.
3. 他高昂的歌声响彻整个礼堂。 His soaring singing voice echoed through the entire auditorium.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, morale, performance

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 医疗费用高昂让许多家庭负担沉重。(High medical costs place a heavy burden on many families.)
• 队员们情绪高昂地投入训练。(The team members threw themselves into training with high spirits.)

Don't Say

• 这座山很高昂 — use 高 or 高耸 for physical height; 高昂 is for prices, spirits, or voices

Origin & History

高 (high) + 昂 (raise/lift)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal