高昂 en 30 segundos
- 高昂 (gāo áng) means 'expensive' or 'high-priced' in a formal context.
- It also means 'high-spirited' or 'soaring morale' when describing emotions.
- Commonly used with words like 价格 (price), 成本 (cost), and 斗志 (spirit).
- It is a B1 level word, more formal than '贵' (expensive) or '高' (high).
The Chinese word 高昂 (gāo áng) is a sophisticated adjective primarily used to describe something that is exceptionally high, both in terms of financial cost and abstract states like spirit or morale. While a beginner might simply use '贵' (guì) to say something is expensive, '高昂' carries a more formal, serious, and sometimes overwhelming weight. It suggests that the price is not just high, but significantly so, often to the point of being a barrier or a major investment. In the modern Chinese linguistic landscape, you will encounter this word in news reports, economic analyses, and formal literature. It is the difference between saying 'this coffee is pricey' and 'the cost of space exploration is astronomical.' Understanding '高昂' requires recognizing its two primary pillars: the material pillar (price and cost) and the spiritual pillar (morale and emotion).
- Financial Context
- When applied to money, it is almost always paired with nouns like 价格 (jiàgé - price), 费用 (fèiyòng - expenses), or 成本 (chéngběn - cost). It implies a level of expense that is noteworthy or burdensome.
由于研发成本高昂，这种新药的价格非常贵。(Due to the high research and development costs, the price of this new medicine is very expensive.)
- Emotional Context
- In a non-financial sense, it describes a state of being uplifted or high-spirited. It is frequently used with 斗志 (dòuzhì - fighting spirit) or 情绪 (qíngxù - mood/morale).
运动员们斗志高昂，准备迎接挑战。(The athletes' fighting spirit is high, ready to meet the challenge.)
Historically, the character 昂 (áng) means to lift one's head or to rise. Combined with 高 (gāo - high), it paints a picture of something standing tall or soaring upward. In ancient texts, it might describe a horse's proud gait or a person's noble bearing. Today, that sense of 'standing tall' translates into prices that tower over the average consumer or spirits that tower over adversity. For an English speaker, think of the word 'exorbitant' for prices, but 'soaring' or 'exultant' for spirits. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between the ledger book and the human soul. Whether you are discussing the high cost of living in cities like Shanghai or Beijing, or the high morale of a startup team after a successful funding round, '高昂' is your go-to descriptor for anything that has reached a peak level.
- Register and Nuance
- This word belongs to the written and formal spoken register. You wouldn't typically use it at a street market while haggling over vegetables; that would sound overly dramatic. Instead, use it when discussing investments, luxury goods, or collective psychological states.
尽管代价高昂，他们还是决定继续这个项目。(Despite the high price [to be paid], they decided to continue the project.)
Using 高昂 correctly involves understanding its typical collocations. It rarely stands alone as a simple 'it is expensive.' Instead, it usually follows a noun that specifies what exactly is 'high.' The most common structure is [Noun] + 高昂. Let's break down the different ways to weave this word into your Chinese sentences across various contexts, from the boardroom to the sports field.
- Describing Costs and Prices
- When talking about money, '高昂' is the gold standard for describing luxury, inflation, or significant investment. It sounds objective and authoritative.
市中心房价高昂，年轻人很难负担得起。(Housing prices in the city center are high, making it difficult for young people to afford.)
In this sentence, '房价' (housing price) is the subject. Using '高昂' instead of '贵' makes the statement sound like a sociological observation rather than just a personal complaint about rent. It implies a systemic or market-level high price.
- Describing Morale and Spirits
- This is the 'spirit' side of the word. It describes a collective or individual state of enthusiasm and determination.
士兵们唱着歌，士气高昂地走向战场。(The soldiers sang songs, marching to the battlefield with high morale.)
Here, '士气' (morale) is paired with '高昂'. Note how it can be used as an adverbial phrase with '地' (de) to describe the manner of an action. This is a very common literary device in Chinese storytelling.
- The 'Cost' of Actions (Metaphorical)
- Sometimes '高昂' is used to describe the price paid for a mistake, a war, or a decision. This is the word '代价' (dàijià).
为了获得胜利，他们付出了高昂的代价。(To achieve victory, they paid a high price.)
When constructing your own sentences, always check if you are talking about something that can be 'lifted up' or 'soaring.' If you are talking about a person being tall, use '高.' If you are talking about a price being high in a formal way, or a spirit being high, '高昂' is your best choice. It adds a layer of elegance and precision to your Chinese that simpler words lack. For example, '昂首挺胸' (áng shǒu tǐng xiōng) means to hold one's head high and chest out—this same '昂' (to lift) is what gives '高昂' its sense of upward momentum, whether that's the price of a Ferrari or the energy of a winning team.
To truly master 高昂, you need to know its natural habitat. It is not a word of the 'street,' but rather a word of the 'studio,' the 'office,' and the 'library.' You will hear it in specific contexts where precision and formality are valued. Let's explore the three most common environments where this word thrives.
- 1. Financial News and Economic Reports
- If you tune into CCTV Finance or read a business journal like Caixin, you will hear '高昂' constantly. It is used to describe market trends, inflation, and the cost of capital. Journalists use it to maintain a professional, objective distance from the subject matter.
受全球供应链影响，原材料价格持续高昂。(Influenced by global supply chains, raw material prices remain consistently high.)
In this context, it isn't just saying things are expensive; it's describing a sustained economic state. It's the language of experts and analysts.
- 2. Sports Commentaries and Motivational Speeches
- Switch to a sports channel during the World Cup or the Olympics, and you'll hear '高昂' describing the athletes. Commentators love to talk about '斗志高昂' (high fighting spirit) or '情绪高昂' (high emotions/excitement). It captures the electric atmosphere of a high-stakes competition.
全场观众情绪高昂，为主队呐喊助威。(The entire audience's emotions were high, cheering for the home team.)
- 3. Historical Dramas and Literature
- In 'Wuxia' (martial arts) novels or historical TV shows, characters often display '高昂' spirits before a battle or after a great achievement. It is a word that conveys dignity and power. You might hear a general addressing his troops, praising their '高昂' morale to inspire them.
他那双眼睛里闪烁着高昂的斗志。(High fighting spirit flickered in those eyes of his.)
So, where will *you* use it? Use it when you want to impress a Chinese business partner with your vocabulary, or when you are writing an essay about social issues like the '高昂' cost of education. It signals that you are moving beyond basic survival Chinese into the realm of nuanced, adult conversation. It's a word that shows you understand not just the 'what' of a situation, but the 'degree' and 'tone' of it as well. Whether you're listening to a podcast about the tech industry in Shenzhen or watching a documentary about the Long March, keep your ears open for '高昂'—it is a cornerstone of formal Chinese expression.
While 高昂 is a powerful word, it is easy for learners to misapply it. Because it translates to 'high' or 'expensive,' many students try to use it in places where simpler words are more appropriate. Let's look at the most frequent pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Mistake 1: Using it for physical height
- You cannot use '高昂' to describe a tall person or a high mountain. For physical height, use '高' (gāo).
Incorrect: 这座山很高昂。
Correct: 这座山很高。(This mountain is very high.)
'高昂' is for abstract 'highs' like prices or moods, not physical dimensions.
- Mistake 2: Using it in casual settings
- If you are at a market and you say '这个苹果的价格太高昂了' (The price of this apple is too high-priced), the vendor might look at you funny. It's too formal. In casual settings, just use '贵' (guì).
Casual: 这太贵了！(This is too expensive!)
Formal: 这种奢侈品的价格非常高昂。(The price of this luxury good is extremely high.)
- Mistake 3: Confusing it with '昂贵' (ángguì)
- '昂贵' and '高昂' are very similar, but '昂贵' is almost exclusively for price. You can say '昂贵的礼物' (expensive gift), but you cannot say '斗志昂贵.' '高昂' is more versatile because it covers both money and morale.
Correct: 昂贵的珠宝 (Expensive jewelry)
Correct: 价格高昂的珠宝 (High-priced jewelry)
Incorrect: 斗志昂贵 (Morale is expensive - makes no sense)
Another mistake is forgetting the noun. '高昂' usually needs a specific noun like '价格' or '士气' to modify. While you can say '情绪高昂' (mood is high), you rarely just say '他很高昂' (He is very high-priced/high-spirited) without clarifying *what* about him is high. Is it his spirit? His salary? His price tag? Be specific. By keeping these distinctions in mind—abstract vs. physical, formal vs. casual, and versatile vs. specific—you will use '高昂' like a native speaker and avoid the awkwardness of 'dictionary-itis' (using a big word in a small situation).
In the rich tapestry of Chinese vocabulary, several words dance around the meaning of 'high' and 'expensive.' Knowing when to choose 高昂 over its cousins is the key to advanced fluency. Let's compare '高昂' with its most common alternatives.
- 1. 昂贵 (ángguì) vs. 高昂 (gāoáng)
- '昂贵' is a direct adjective for 'expensive.' It often precedes the noun (e.g., 昂贵的衣服). '高昂' is more often used as a predicate (e.g., 价格高昂). Also, '昂贵' is only about money, while '高昂' can be about spirit.
这家餐厅非常昂贵。(This restaurant is very expensive.)
这家餐厅的价格非常高昂。(The prices at this restaurant are very high.)
- 2. 贵 (guì) vs. 高昂 (gāoáng)
- '贵' is the everyday word for 'expensive.' It's short, punchy, and used by everyone from toddlers to CEOs in casual talk. '高昂' is for written reports, speeches, and formal analysis.
太贵了，我不买！(Too expensive, I'm not buying!)
该项目的维护成本异常高昂。(The maintenance costs of this project are exceptionally high.)
- 3. 高涨 (gāozhǎng) vs. 高昂 (gāoáng)
- '高涨' also means 'to rise' or 'to be high,' but it usually describes a trend or a surging feeling (like enthusiasm or prices rising). '高昂' describes a state that is *already* high.
民众的热情持续高涨。(The people's enthusiasm continues to surge.)
士兵们斗志高昂。(The soldiers' fighting spirit is high [steady state].)
To summarize, use '贵' for daily life, '昂贵' for expensive objects, '高涨' for things that are currently surging, and '高昂' for formal descriptions of high costs or high spirits. By mastering these distinctions, you move from just 'getting your point across' to 'expressing yourself with precision.' Think of these words as tools in a toolkit: you wouldn't use a sledgehammer to hang a picture frame, and you wouldn't use '高昂' to talk about a 5-yuan soda. Use the right tool for the right job, and your Chinese will sound natural and sophisticated.
Ejemplos por nivel
这个相机的价格很高昂。
The price of this camera is very high.
Subject (价格) + Adjective (高昂)
他的斗志很高昂。
His fighting spirit is very high.
Simple Subject + Adjective structure.
那辆红色的车价格高昂。
That red car's price is high.
Using '高昂' to describe price.
我们要保持高昂的精神。
We need to keep a high spirit.
Adjective + Noun.
这件衣服的价格非常高昂。
The price of this clothing is extremely high.
Adding '非常' for emphasis.
虽然价格高昂，但我喜欢它。
Although the price is high, I like it.
Using '虽然...但是...' structure.
这里的学费很高昂。
The tuition here is very high.
Describing cost of education.
他们斗志高昂地开始了比赛。
They started the game with high morale.
Adverbial usage with '地'.
市中心的租金非常高昂。
Rent in the city center is very high.
Specific noun '租金' (rent).
这种材料的成本很高昂。
The cost of this material is very high.
Focusing on '成本' (cost).
他那高昂的歌声传遍了全场。
His soaring singing voice spread through the whole venue.
Describing sound/voice.
为了梦想，他付出了高昂的代价。
For his dream, he paid a high price.
Metaphorical 'price'.
这种新技术的研发费用很高昂。
The R&D cost of this new technology is very high.
Formal business context.
全队上下士气高昂。
The whole team's morale is high.
Common idiom-like phrase '士气高昂'.
虽然路费高昂，他还是回家了。
Although the travel fare was high, he still went home.
Contrastive sentence.
我们要以高昂的姿态面对困难。
We should face difficulties with a high posture/spirit.
Abstract usage.
由于通货膨胀，生活成本变得愈发高昂。
Due to inflation, the cost of living has become increasingly high.
Using '愈发' (increasingly).
这部电影的制作成本极其高昂。
The production cost of this movie is extremely high.
Using '极其' for extreme degree.
战士们斗志高昂，誓死保卫祖国。
The soldiers' morale is high, vowing to defend their country to the death.
Patriotic/Military context.
尽管价格高昂，这款手机依然供不应求。
Despite the high price, this phone is still in short supply.
Using '供不应求' (demand exceeds supply).
他昂首阔步，显得情绪非常高昂。
He strode with his head held high, looking very high-spirited.
Pairing with '昂首阔步'.
高昂的维护费用让这家公司头疼不已。
The high maintenance costs are giving this company a huge headache.
Describing a negative consequence.
这种药品的专利费高昂得令人吃惊。
The patent fee for this medicine is surprisingly high.
Using '得' to show degree.
在一片高昂的赞歌声中，他走上了讲台。
Amidst soaring songs of praise, he stepped onto the podium.
Literary usage.
高昂的房价已经成为了阻碍城市发展的因素。
High housing prices have become a factor hindering urban development.
Complex sentence with '成为...因素'.
面对挫折，我们更应该保持高昂的斗志。
Facing setbacks, we should all the more maintain high fighting spirit.
Using '更应该' (should all the more).
这种奢侈品牌背后是高昂的营销投入。
Behind this luxury brand is high marketing investment.
Business analysis context.
他那高昂的语调显示出他此刻的愤怒。
His high-pitched tone showed his anger at this moment.
Describing tone of voice.
代价高昂的错误往往能给人留下深刻的教训。
Costly mistakes often leave people with profound lessons.
Abstract 'costly mistake'.
尽管经济不景气，该行业的薪资水平依然高昂。
Despite the economic downturn, salary levels in this industry remain high.
Economic context.
这首交响乐的结尾部分情感高昂，震撼人心。
The ending of this symphony is emotionally high and soul-stirring.
Artistic/Musical context.
他以高昂的代价换取了短暂的成功。
He traded a high price for a short-lived success.
Usage with '换取' (exchange for).
高昂的研发门槛限制了许多中小企业进入该领域。
The high R&D threshold limits many small and medium-sized enterprises from entering the field.
Using '门槛' (threshold) metaphorically.
他那气宇高昂的谈吐给人留下了深刻的印象。
His noble and proud manner of speaking left a deep impression.
Using '气宇高昂' as a descriptor of character.
由于资源稀缺，这类产品的溢价往往非常高昂。
Due to resource scarcity, the premium on such products is often very high.
Technical term '溢价' (premium).
在历史的长河中，人类为了自由付出了高昂的代价。
In the long river of history, mankind has paid a high price for freedom.
Philosophical/Historical context.
这篇社论措辞严厉，情绪高昂，引发了广泛讨论。
The editorial was sternly worded and high-spirited, sparking widespread discussion.
Describing writing style.
尽管面临重重压力，他依然保持着高昂的姿态。
Despite facing layers of pressure, he still maintained a lofty/proud posture.
Using '重重压力' (layers of pressure).
高昂的利息支出使得这家企业的财务状况不断恶化。
High interest expenses have caused the company's financial situation to worsen continuously.
Corporate finance context.
他的诗作充满了高昂的爱国主义情怀。
His poems are filled with high patriotic sentiments.
Literary analysis.
这种极简主义风格背后，实则是高昂的设计成本和材料筛选。
Behind this minimalist style, there is actually high design cost and material selection.
Nuanced observation with '实则' (actually).
他以一种近乎高昂的孤独，审视着这个喧嚣的世界。
With a kind of almost lofty loneliness, he examined this noisy world.
Poetic/Metaphorical usage.
高昂的社会治理成本是现代国家面临的共同挑战。
High social governance costs are a common challenge faced by modern states.
Political science context.
这种学术探讨虽然代价高昂，但对人类文明意义深远。
Although this academic exploration is costly, it has profound significance for human civilization.
Formal academic tone.
他那高昂且不屈的灵魂，在苦难中愈发显得光亮。
His lofty and unyielding soul shone even brighter amidst suffering.
Highly literary/Abstract.
高昂的沉没成本往往会让决策者陷入非理性的境地。
High sunk costs often lead decision-makers into irrational situations.
Economic psychology term '沉没成本' (sunk cost).
这部剧作通过高昂的悲剧色彩，揭示了人性的复杂。
Through high tragic colors, this play reveals the complexity of human nature.
Criticism/Artistic analysis.
在资本的推波助澜下，该资产的价格已达到高昂得离谱的程度。
Fueled by capital, the price of the asset has reached an absurdly high level.
Using '推波助澜' (fueling/adding fuel to the fire).
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— A proud head (symbolizing dignity).
他不肯低下高昂的头颅。
— High fighting spirit.
我们在比赛中斗志高昂。
— High-priced.
那里的商品价格高昂。
— High cost.
这项工程成本高昂。
— In high spirits.
大家的情绪非常高昂。
— At a high price (metaphorical).
这是一个代价高昂的教训。
— A lofty/proud posture.
她始终保持高昂的姿态。
— A loud and high-pitched singing voice.
高昂的歌声在礼堂回荡。
— High taxes.
那个国家税收高昂。
— High tuition fees.
高昂的学费让人压力很大。
Modismos y expresiones
— To stride forward with one's head held high.
士兵们昂首阔步地走过广场。
Literary— To hold one's head high and chest out.
我们要昂首挺胸地面对挑战。
Common— Fighting spirit is high (similar to 斗志高昂).
全队斗志昂扬，准备夺冠。
Formal— Having a grand and imposing manner.
他看起来气宇轩昂，很有风度。
Literary— High-spirited and full of mettle.
年轻人意气风发，大有可为。
Formal— Great ambitions and lofty ideals.
他怀揣着雄心壮志来到大城市。
Formal— Vehement and impassioned (usually speech).
他发表了一番慷慨激昂的演说。
Literary— To stand high and see far (be farsighted).
领导人需要高瞻远瞩。
Formal— To be arrogant and haughty (Negative)
Summary
Use '高昂' to describe significant costs or intense spirits in formal settings. Example: '价格高昂' (high price) or '斗志高昂' (high fighting spirit). It adds professional weight to your descriptions.
- 高昂 (gāo áng) means 'expensive' or 'high-priced' in a formal context.
- It also means 'high-spirited' or 'soaring morale' when describing emotions.
- Commonly used with words like 价格 (price), 成本 (cost), and 斗志 (spirit).
- It is a B1 level word, more formal than '贵' (expensive) or '高' (high).
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