高额

• Pinyin: gāo é
• Hanzi breakdown: 高 (high, large); 额 = 客 + 页 (forehead, amount — face value on a document)

Meaning

High-value; of a large amount; large in financial sum or quantity, particularly referring to costs, fees, penalties, or bonuses.

Used to describe financial sums or quantities that are notably large: 高额罚款 (heavy fine), 高额奖金 (large bonus), 高额利润 (high profit), 高额补贴 (substantial subsidy). Common in business, legal, and news contexts. Strictly a modifier for quantifiable amounts.

Examples

1. 该企业因违反环保法规被处以高额罚款，责令立即停业整改。 The company was hit with a hefty fine for violating environmental regulations and was ordered to suspend operations immediately for corrective action.
2. 顶级律师事务所收取高额咨询费，但其提供的专业意见往往能帮助客户规避巨大风险。 Top law firms charge high consultation fees, but their professional advice often helps clients avoid enormous risks.
3. 政府通过提供高额补贴的方式，鼓励企业投资新能源汽车的研发与量产。 By offering generous subsidies, the government is encouraging companies to invest in R&D and mass production of new energy vehicles.

Usage Guide

Context: finance, legal, business, government

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这份合同中涉及高额违约金条款，签署前务必仔细阅读并咨询法律顾问。(This contract contains a high-value penalty clause — be sure to read it carefully and consult a legal adviser before signing.)
• 投资高收益产品往往伴随着高额风险，投资者应保持清醒的判断。(Investing in high-yield products often comes with substantial risk exposure — investors should remain clear-headed in their judgement.)

Don't Say

• 高额的话语 — 高额 modifies financial or quantitative nouns only; use 高深 or 豪言壮语 for lofty or grand speech

Origin & History

高 (high) + 额 (amount/sum)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal