崇高

• Reading: すうこう
• Romaji: suukou
• Kanji breakdown: 崇 (suu) — revere, worship; 高 (kou) — high, tall
• Pronunciation: /sɯː.koː/

Meaning

Lofty; sublime; noble. Describing something elevated and inspiring in a moral or spiritual sense.

A na-adjective and noun expressing the quality of being elevated beyond the ordinary — morally, spiritually, or aesthetically. Used for ideals, goals, sacrifices, and artistic works that inspire awe and reverence: 崇高な理念 (noble ideals), 崇高な精神 (lofty spirit). More literary and formal than 立派 (admirable) or 高貴 (noble).

Examples

1. 彼は崇高な理想を掲げて活動を続けた。 He continued his work driven by lofty ideals.
2. 自然の崇高な美しさに圧倒された。 I was overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of nature.
3. 命を救うという崇高な使命感を持っている。 She has a noble sense of mission to save lives.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, literature, speeches

Tone: reverent

Origin & History

From Chinese, combining 崇 (revere, worship — with the mountain radical suggesting lofty heights) and 高 (high, tall). The pairing intensifies the sense of towering greatness, both physical and metaphorical.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal