高邁

• Reading: こうまい
• Romaji: komai
• Kanji breakdown: 高 (kou/taka) — high, lofty; 邁 (mai) — surpass, stride forward
• Pronunciation: /ko.ː.ma.i/

Meaning

Lofty; noble; elevated; high-minded. Describes ideals or character of exceptional moral height.

A na-adjective praising someone's ideals, principles, or spirit as being far above ordinary concerns. Used almost exclusively in formal, literary, or respectful contexts — particularly when eulogising a person's character or describing admirable aspirations. Rarely used in casual speech.

Examples

1. 彼は高邁な理想を胸に、困難な改革に挑み続けた。 Holding lofty ideals close to his heart, he continued to take on difficult reforms.
2. 高邁な精神を持つ指導者は、私利私欲とは無縁だ。 A leader with a noble spirit is free from selfish desires.
3. 若者たちの高邁な志に、会場全体が感動で包まれた。 The lofty aspirations of the young people moved the entire audience to tears.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, speeches, biography, philosophy

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From 高 (kou, high/tall) and 邁 (mai, striding forward/surpassing). The character 邁 is rare in modern Japanese outside this compound, carrying connotations of surpassing ordinary bounds.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated