崇高

• Reading: すうこう
• Romaji: suukou
• Kanji breakdown: 崇 (sū/agame) — revere, worship, sublime; 高 (kō/taka) — high, elevated, noble
• Pronunciation: /sɯː.koː/

Meaning

Sublime; lofty; noble; exalted. Describes something elevated in moral worth, beauty, or aspiration — inspiring reverence or awe.

A na-adjective (and noun) used for ideals, people, or experiences that transcend the ordinary. In aesthetics, 崇高 is the Japanese equivalent of the concept of 'the sublime' — something that overwhelms with its greatness. In ethical contexts, it describes a moral elevation that commands deep respect.

Examples

1. 彼女の崇高な使命感が、多くの若者を医療の道に引き寄せた。 Her lofty sense of mission drew many young people to the field of medicine.
2. 山頂から見た夜明けの景色は崇高で、言葉では表しきれなかった。 The view of the sunrise from the mountaintop was sublime — beyond what words could express.
3. 芸術家は崇高な理想を追い求めるが、現実との葛藤も絶えない。 Artists pursue noble ideals, but the struggle with reality never ceases.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, aesthetics, ethics, literature

Tone: reverent

Origin & History

Compound of 崇 (sū, revere/worship) and 高 (kō, high/elevated). Together they convey something elevated to the point of inspiring veneration — reaching toward the highest ideals.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated