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B2 noun 8 min read

高薪的

gāoxīn de

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 高薪的 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 高薪的 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn about basic life needs. You might know words like '钱' (qián - money) and '工作' (gōngzuò - work). '高薪的' (gāoxīn de) is a bit advanced for A1, but you can understand it by breaking it down. '高' (gāo) means 'high' (like a tall person) and '薪' (xīn) is a special word for 'money from a job'. So, '高薪的' means 'high money job'. You might use it to say 'I want a job with a lot of money.' It is a useful word because everyone talks about jobs and money in daily life. Just remember to put it before the word '工作' (job). For example: '高薪的工作' (High salary work). You don't need to worry about the history of the word yet, just think of it as a way to say 'well-paid'.

At the A2 level, you can describe your job and your desires. You know that '的' (de) is used to describe things. When you see '高薪的' (gāoxīn de), you should recognize it as a description for a job. You might hear people say '我想找一份高薪的工作' (I want to find a high-paying job). This is a very common sentence for someone looking for work. You should also start to notice that '高薪' is different from just '很多钱' (a lot of money). '高薪' is specifically about the salary you get every month. At this level, you can use it to compare two jobs. For example, '这份工作是高薪的，那份工作不是' (This job is high-paying, that one is not). It's a key word for surviving in a city and talking about your career plans with friends.

At the B1 level, you are becoming more comfortable with social topics. '高薪的' (gāoxīn de) becomes a central part of your vocabulary regarding 'career' and 'lifestyle'. You should be able to use it in more complex sentences, like '虽然这工作是高薪的，但是太累了' (Although this job is high-paying, it's too tiring). You are starting to understand that '高薪' carries a certain social status in China. You might also encounter the noun form '高薪' on its own, such as '追求高薪' (pursuing a high salary). At this stage, you should distinguish between '高薪' (the salary itself) and '高薪的' (the adjective describing the job). You can also start using it with other nouns like '职位' (zhíwèi - position) or '行业' (hángyè - industry). This word is essential for discussing your '梦想' (mèngxiǎng - dreams) and '未来' (wèilái - future).

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '高薪的' (gāoxīn de). You understand that it often implies a trade-off, such as the '996' work culture. You can use it to discuss economic trends, such as '高薪的互联网行业正在发生变化' (The high-paying internet industry is undergoing changes). You should be able to distinguish '高薪的' from synonyms like '待遇优厚的' (generous benefits) or '高收入的' (high income). You understand that '高薪的' is specifically about professional compensation. You can also use it in formal contexts, such as writing a resume or a cover letter, or discussing salary expectations in an interview. You are aware of the cultural pressure in China to secure a '高薪' job and can participate in debates about whether money or passion is more important in a career.

At the C1 level, you can use '高薪的' (gāoxīn de) with precision and style. You understand its etymology—how '薪' (firewood) became 'salary'—and can use this knowledge to appreciate more literary or archaic terms for compensation. You can analyze the socio-economic implications of '高薪' in Chinese society, such as the wealth gap or the pressure on the 'Middle Class' (中产阶级). You might use the term in academic discussions about '人才流失' (brain drain) or '产业升级' (industrial upgrading). You can also handle idiomatic expressions related to wealth and work. Your usage of '高薪的' is no longer just about the words, but about the context of the entire Chinese labor market. You can also use it sarcastically or ironically when discussing the 'burnout' associated with high-paying tech roles.

At the C2 level, '高薪的' (gāoxīn de) is a tool you use to navigate the highest levels of professional and academic discourse. You can write sophisticated critiques of the '高薪' culture in China, perhaps referencing sociological concepts like 'involution' (内卷 - nèijuǎn). You understand the subtle differences between '高薪的' and other terms in various dialects or specialized professional jargons. You can use the term in a speech or a high-level negotiation without any hesitation. You are also aware of how the concept of '高薪' has evolved through Chinese history, from the planned economy era to the current market-driven era. To you, '高薪的' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a window into the values, anxieties, and aspirations of modern China. You can use it to build complex metaphors about value, labor, and the human condition.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

高薪的 in 30 Seconds

Means 'high-paying' or 'well-remunerated' in a professional context.
Used as an adjective before nouns like job, position, or industry.
Commonly heard in recruitment, career planning, and social comparisons.
Implies high status but often high pressure or long working hours.

The term 高薪的 (gāoxīn de) is a quintessential descriptor in the modern Chinese lexicon, particularly within the realms of career development, social status, and economic aspiration. At its core, it is an adjectival phrase derived from the noun 高薪 (gāoxīn), which literally translates to 'high salary.' The character 高 (gāo) means high or elevated, while 薪 (xīn) historically referred to firewood—a vital resource for survival in ancient China. Today, 薪 is shorthand for 薪水 (xīnshuǐ), or 'salary.' When you add the possessive or adjectival particle 的 (de), it transforms the concept into a modifier used to describe jobs, positions, or even individuals who command significant financial compensation.

The Professional Context: In the competitive Chinese job market, especially in 'Tier 1' cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, '高薪的' is the gold standard for recruitment. It is used to describe roles in sectors like Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, and specialized medicine. It implies a level of expertise and responsibility that justifies a top-tier paycheck.
The Social Context: Beyond the workplace, this term carries heavy social weight. It is often discussed during 'Spring Festival' family gatherings where relatives compare the '高薪' status of the younger generation. It is not just about the money; it represents 'Mianzi' (Face) and success.

他在一家互联网大厂找到了一份高薪的工作。
(He found a high-paying job at a major internet company.)

To understand '高薪的,' one must understand the '996' culture (working 9am to 9pm, 6 days a week) often associated with these roles. While the salary is high, the phrase often implicitly suggests a high-pressure environment. It is rarely used for inherited wealth; it almost always refers to earned income through professional labor. In a sentence, it usually precedes a noun like '职位' (zhíwèi - position) or '行业' (hángyè - industry).

并不是所有高薪的职业都能带来幸福感。
(Not all high-paying professions can bring a sense of happiness.)

Grammatical Placement: As an adjective with '的', it typically sits before the noun it modifies. However, you can also say '薪水很高' (salary is very high) to express the same idea using a subject-predicate structure.

In summary, '高薪的' is more than a financial descriptor; it is a marker of modern Chinese urban life, reflecting the intense drive for upward mobility and the high value placed on professional achievement in a rapidly evolving economy. Whether you are browsing Zhaopin.com for jobs or chatting with friends about the latest tech boom, this word will be at the center of the conversation.

Using 高薪的 (gāoxīn de) correctly requires understanding its role as an attributive adjective. In Chinese grammar, the particle 的 (de) acts as a bridge between the quality (high salary) and the object (the job, the person, the industry). Unlike English where 'high-paying' can sometimes be used loosely, '高薪的' is quite specific to monetary compensation from employment.

那是许多年轻人向往的高薪的职位。
(That is a high-paying position that many young people yearn for.)

When constructing sentences, you will most frequently see '高薪的' followed by nouns related to work. Common pairings include:

高薪的工作 (gāoxīn de gōngzuò): High-paying work/job.
高薪的职位 (gāoxīn de zhíwèi): High-paying position.
高薪的行业 (gāoxīn de hángyè): High-paying industry.
高薪的人才 (gāoxīn de réncái): Highly-paid talent/professionals.

Structure 1: Attributive Use: [Subject] + [Verb] + [高薪的] + [Noun]. Example: 我想要一份高薪的工作 (I want a high-paying job).
Structure 2: Predicative Use (Variation): While you can say '这个工作是高薪的', it is more natural to say '这个工作的薪水很高' (The salary of this job is very high). The '的' form is most powerful when identifying a specific type of job.

金融行业通常被认为是高薪的领域。
(The finance industry is usually considered a high-paying field.)

In more formal writing, such as business reports or economic analyses, '高薪的' might be replaced by '高收入的' (gāo shōurù de - high income). However, in the context of job advertisements or casual conversation about careers, '高薪的' remains the most vibrant and commonly used term. It directly appeals to the listener's desire for financial success and professional recognition. When you use it, you are highlighting the 'compensation' aspect of the role above all else.

To truly master 高薪的 (gāoxīn de), you need to know the environments where it echoes most frequently. This isn't just a word from a textbook; it's a word from the heart of the Chinese 'hustle' culture.

Scenario 1: The Job Fair (招聘会): Walk through any university recruitment fair in Shanghai, and you'll see banners screaming '高薪诚聘' (Sincere recruitment with high salary). Here, '高薪' is the bait. Students whisper to each other about which booths are offering '高薪的' contracts. It is the primary filter for many graduates.
Scenario 2: Social Media & News: On platforms like Weibo or Xiaohongshu, you'll find influencers sharing '高薪的秘密' (Secrets to a high salary). News articles often debate whether '高薪的程序员' (high-paid programmers) are losing their edge as the tech market cools. It's a buzzword for economic trends.

为了追求高薪的生活，他决定离开家乡去北京。
(In pursuit of a high-paying life, he decided to leave his hometown for Beijing.)

Another common place is in 'Blind Dating' (相亲 - xiāngqīn) scenarios. In the famous 'Blind Date Corners' in parks, parents list their children's attributes on pieces of paper. '高薪的职业' (high-paying profession) is often listed right next to height and property ownership. It is a key metric for marriageability in urban China.

虽然那是份高薪的差事，但压力也很大。
(Although it's a high-paying job, the pressure is also very great.)

Finally, in the 'Gig Economy' or 'Side Hustle' (副业 - fùyè) discussions, people look for '高薪的副业' to supplement their income. The word serves as a beacon for opportunity. Whether it's a formal board meeting or a casual chat over hotpot, '高薪的' is the word used whenever money and professional effort intersect.

Even intermediate learners often stumble when using 高薪的 (gāoxīn de). Because English uses 'high-paying' as both an adjective and sometimes a general concept, learners tend to over-apply it in Chinese where other words are more appropriate.

Mistake 1: Confusing Salary with Wealth: Learners often say '他是高薪的' (He is high-paying). This is grammatically awkward. You should say '他是高薪人士' (He is a high-salary person) or '他的薪水很高' (His salary is high). '高薪的' needs a noun to follow it, like '工作' or '职位'.
Mistake 2: Incorrect Word Order with '的': Sometimes students forget the '的' when using it as an adjective. '高薪职位' is acceptable (and common in titles), but in a full descriptive sentence, '高薪的工作' is more natural. Conversely, adding '的' when it's already a noun is wrong: '他的高薪的' (His high-paying) makes no sense without a noun.

❌ 错误: 他是一个高薪的人。
✅ 正确: 他有一份高薪的工作。
(Mistake: He is a high-paying person. Correct: He has a high-paying job.)

Another subtle mistake is using '高薪的' for things that aren't jobs. You cannot have a '高薪的房子' (high-paying house). For expensive things, use '昂贵的' (ángguì de) or '高价的' (gāojià de). '高薪的' is exclusively for labor and compensation.

❌ 错误: 这是一个高薪的电脑。
✅ 正确: 这是一个昂贵的电脑。
(Mistake: This is a high-paying computer. Correct: This is an expensive computer.)

Finally, watch out for redundancy. Avoid saying '高薪的薪水' (high-paying salary). Since '薪' already means salary, this is like saying 'high-salary salary'. Just say '高薪' (high salary) or '薪水很高' (salary is very high).

While 高薪的 (gāoxīn de) is the most common term, Chinese offers a variety of ways to describe well-compensated work, each with its own nuance and register. Understanding these will make your Chinese sound more sophisticated and precise.

1. 高收入的 (Gāo shōurù de): Nuance: More formal and broader than '高薪'. It includes all forms of income (investments, dividends, business profits), not just a salary from an employer.
Example: 他属于高收入阶层 (He belongs to the high-income bracket).
2. 待遇优厚的 (Dàiyù yōuhòu de): Nuance: This refers to the 'entire package.' It includes not just a high salary, but also great benefits like insurance, bonuses, and vacation time.
Example: 公司提供了待遇优厚的职位 (The company offered a position with generous benefits).
3. 肥差 (Féichāi): Nuance: Colloquial and slightly cynical. It literally means 'fat errand.' It describes a job that is high-paying but perhaps doesn't require much work, or has lots of 'perks' (sometimes illicit).
Example: 他在那家公司谋了个肥差 (He landed a cushy, high-paying job at that company).

Comparison:
• 高薪的: Focuses strictly on the paycheck.
• 待遇优厚的: Focuses on the whole lifestyle/benefits.
• 高收入的: Focuses on the economic category.

In summary, while '高薪的' is your 'go-to' word, being aware of '高收入', '待遇优厚', and even the slangy '肥差' will help you navigate different social and professional circles in China. Each word paints a slightly different picture of success.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The '薪' in salary comes from the ancient practice of providing firewood for cooking and heating as part of an official's compensation.

Pronunciation Guide

UK N/A

US N/A

Stress is on the first two syllables 'gāoxīn'.

Rhymes With

高 (gāo) rhymes with 包 (bāo), 刀 (dāo). 薪 (xīn) rhymes with 金 (jīn), 心 (xīn).

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'xīn' as 'xǐn' (third tone).
Giving 'de' a full first tone instead of a neutral tone.
Muddling the 'x' sound (should be a sibilant palatal).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Characters are relatively common but '薪' might be new to B1 learners.

Writing 4/5

Writing '薪' correctly requires attention to the radical and strokes.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is simple (all high tones).

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in the context of money or work.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

高 (High) 钱 (Money) 工作 (Work) 的 (Particle)

Learn Next

薪水 (Salary) 待遇 (Benefits) 福利 (Welfare) 行业 (Industry) 职位 (Position)

Advanced

薪酬体系 (Compensation system) 个税 (Income tax) 中产阶级 (Middle class)

Grammar to Know

Attributive '的'

高薪的工作 (The 'de' links the adjective to the noun).

Subject-Predicate with '很'

他的薪水很高 (Salary is very high - common alternative).

Omission of '的' in titles

高薪职位 (Often omitted in formal job titles).

Adverbs of Degree

非常高薪的工作 (Using 'very' before the adjective phrase).

Conjunctions for Contrast

虽然高薪，但是辛苦 (Although high-paying, it's hard work).

Examples by Level

我想找高薪的工作。

I want to find a high-paying job.

Subject + Verb + Adjective + Noun.

这个工作是高薪的吗？

Is this job high-paying?

Using '吗' for a yes/no question.

他不想要高薪的工作。

He doesn't want a high-paying job.

Negation with '不'.

高薪的工作很好。

High-paying jobs are very good.

Simple Subject-Adjective sentence.

谁有高薪的工作？

Who has a high-paying job?

Question word '谁' (who).

我的爸爸有高薪的工作。

My dad has a high-paying job.

Possessive '我的'.

这里有很多高薪的工作。

There are many high-paying jobs here.

Existential '有' (there are).

你要高薪的工作吗？

Do you want a high-paying job?

Direct question.

在上海，有很多高薪的工作。

In Shanghai, there are many high-paying jobs.

Location phrase at the beginning.

她学习努力，为了找一份高薪的工作。

She studies hard to find a high-paying job.

Using '为了' (in order to).

这份工作虽然累，但是是高薪的。

Although this job is tiring, it is high-paying.

Conjunction '虽然...但是...'.

高薪的职位通常需要很多经验。

High-paying positions usually require a lot of experience.

Adverb '通常' (usually).

你想去那家高薪的公司吗？

Do you want to go to that high-paying company?

Demonstrative '那家' (that one).

他觉得高薪的工作很有压力。

He feels that high-paying jobs are very stressful.

Verb '觉得' (to feel/think).

我的朋友找到了一份高薪的工作。

My friend found a high-paying job.

Particle '了' for completed action.

并不是所有的高薪工作都很有趣。

Not all high-paying jobs are very interesting.

Negation '并不是' (not necessarily).

如果你有技术，你就能找到高薪的工作。

If you have skills, you can find a high-paying job.

Conditional '如果...就...'.

他放弃了那份高薪的工作，选择了梦想。

He gave up that high-paying job and chose his dream.

Verb '放弃' (to give up).

高薪的职业往往伴随着巨大的责任。

High-paying professions often come with huge responsibilities.

Verb '伴随着' (to be accompanied by).

大家都在讨论那个高薪的职位。

Everyone is discussing that high-paying position.

Progressive aspect '在'.

获得高薪的工作是他奋斗的目标。

Getting a high-paying job is the goal of his struggle.

Gerund-like use of '获得' (obtaining).

那个行业的起薪就是高薪的水平。

The starting salary in that industry is at a high-paying level.

Noun '起薪' (starting salary).

他不仅聪明，而且还有一份高薪的工作。

He is not only smart but also has a high-paying job.

Conjunction '不仅...而且...'.

现在的年轻人更看重高薪的工作吗？

Do young people today value high-paying jobs more?

Verb '看重' (to value/regard as important).

尽管是高薪的工作，他还是决定辞职。

Despite it being a high-paying job, he still decided to resign.

Conjunction '尽管...还是...'.

高薪的吸引力让很多人选择了加班。

The attraction of a high salary makes many people choose to work overtime.

Noun '吸引力' (attraction).

在竞争激烈的市场中，高薪的职位很难得。

In a highly competitive market, high-paying positions are hard to come by.

Adjective '难得' (rare/precious).

他希望能进入一个高薪的行业发展。

He hopes to enter a high-paying industry for development.

Verb '发展' (to develop).

高薪的代价往往是牺牲个人时间。

The price of a high salary is often the sacrifice of personal time.

Noun '代价' (price/cost).

公司通过提供高薪的职位来吸引人才。

The company attracts talent by providing high-paying positions.

Using '通过...来...' (by means of).

这份高薪的工作让他能够在大城市立足。

This high-paying job allowed him to gain a foothold in the big city.

Verb '立足' (to gain a foothold).

高薪的背后是长期的努力和积累。

Behind a high salary is long-term effort and accumulation.

Structure '...的背后' (behind...).

高薪的诱惑有时会让人忽视职业道德。

The temptation of a high salary sometimes makes people ignore professional ethics.

Noun '诱惑' (temptation).

该报告分析了高薪的岗位分布情况。

The report analyzed the distribution of high-paying posts.

Formal verb '分析' (to analyze).

过度追求高薪的工作可能会导致心理失衡。

Excessive pursuit of high-paying jobs may lead to psychological imbalance.

Adverb '过度' (excessive).

高薪的精英阶层对社会消费有很大影响。

The high-salaried elite class has a great influence on social consumption.

Noun '精英阶层' (elite class).

他并不羡慕那些高薪的金融从业者。

He does not envy those high-paid finance practitioners.

Noun '从业者' (practitioner).

高薪的职位往往伴随着极高的准入门槛。

High-paying positions often come with extremely high entry barriers.

Noun '准入门槛' (entry barrier).

通过高薪的手段，企业成功留住了核心技术人员。

Through high-salary means, the enterprise successfully retained core technical personnel.

Structure '通过...手段' (through the means of).

高薪的标签并不代表一个人的全部价值。

The label of 'high salary' does not represent a person's entire value.

Noun '标签' (label).

高薪的现象在某种程度上加剧了社会阶层的固化。

The phenomenon of high salaries has, to some extent, exacerbated social stratification.

Formal verb '加剧' (to exacerbate).

在全球化背景下，高薪的跨国职位竞争异常激烈。

In the context of globalization, competition for high-paying multinational positions is exceptionally fierce.

Contextual phrase '在全球化背景下'.

高薪的溢价效应在顶尖科技人才中尤为明显。

The premium effect of high salaries is particularly evident among top tech talents.

Economic term '溢价效应' (premium effect).

我们应当辩证地看待高薪的工作与生活质量的关系。

We should look at the relationship between high-paying jobs and quality of life dialectically.

Adverb '辩证地' (dialectically).

高薪的职位往往是衡量一个城市经济活力的指标之一。

High-paying positions are often one of the indicators for measuring a city's economic vitality.

Noun '指标' (indicator).

他驳斥了那种认为高薪的工作必然导致创造力下降的观点。

He refuted the view that high-paying jobs inevitably lead to a decline in creativity.

Verb '驳斥' (to refute).

高薪的诱惑力在不同的文化语境下有着截然不同的解读。

The allure of high salaries has vastly different interpretations in different cultural contexts.

Adverb '截然不同' (completely different).

高薪的体制化保障是吸引国际顶尖学者落户的关键。

Institutionalized high-salary guarantees are key to attracting top international scholars to settle down.

Noun phrase '体制化保障' (institutionalized guarantee).

Common Collocations

高薪的工作

高薪的职位

高薪的行业

高薪的人才

高薪的诱惑

高薪的待遇

高薪的聘请

高薪的机会

高薪的水平

高薪的梦

Common Phrases

高薪诚聘

— Sincere recruitment with high salary. Seen on job posters.

店门口贴着高薪诚聘的广告。

高薪养廉

— Using high salaries to prevent corruption in government.

有些国家实行高薪养廉的政策。

高薪挖人

— Poaching talent from other companies with high pay.

竞争对手正在高薪挖人。

高薪阶层

— The social class consisting of high-earners.

高薪阶层通常住在郊区。

高薪就业

— Securing employment that pays well.

该专业的高薪就业率很高。

高薪跳槽

— Switching jobs for a higher salary.

他通过高薪跳槽实现了财富自由。

高薪岗位

— Specific job roles that offer high pay.

这些高薪岗位对学历要求很高。

高薪回报

— High financial returns for one's effort.

辛苦的工作带来了高薪回报。

高薪白领

— High-paid white-collar workers.

他是典型的城市高薪白领。

高薪诱饵

— High salary used as bait (sometimes in scams).

小心那些高薪诱饵的骗局。

Often Confused With

高薪的 vs 有钱的

Refers to a person's total wealth, not their salary.

高薪的 vs 昂贵的

Used for expensive objects, not jobs.

高薪的 vs 高价的

Refers to a high price tag on a product.

Idioms & Expressions

"高官厚禄"

— High position and great wealth. Refers to successful officials.

他并不追求高官厚禄。

Literary

"升官发财"

— To get promoted and get rich.

祝你今年升官发财！

Social/Greeting

"日进斗金"

— To earn a lot of money every day.

他的生意日进斗金。

Informal

"腰缠万贯"

— To be extremely wealthy (carrying 10,000 strings of coins).

他现在已经是腰缠万贯的大老板了。

Idiomatic

"富甲一方"

— The richest person in a specific area.

他们家族在当地富甲一方。

Literary

"家大业大"

— Large family and big business; wealthy and influential.

他虽然家大业大，但生活很节俭。

Neutral

"金玉满堂"

— Abundance of gold and jade; extremely wealthy.

祝大家金玉满堂。

Formal/Greeting

"衣食无忧"

— No worries about food or clothing; financially stable.

高薪的工作让他衣食无忧。

Neutral

"财源广进"

— Wealth flowing in from all directions.

开业大吉，财源广进！

Business Greeting

"一诺千金"

— A promise worth a thousand pieces of gold; keeping one's word.

他是一个一诺千金的人。

Literary (Note: Related to value/gold)

Easily Confused

高薪的 vs 高薪

Noun vs Adjective.

高薪 is the noun 'high salary'. 高薪的 is the adjective 'high-paying'.

他追求高薪 (Noun) vs 他找高薪的工作 (Adjective).

高薪的 vs 高收入

Broader scope.

高收入 includes dividends and rent; 高薪 is just salary.

那个房东是高收入人士。

高薪的 vs 高酬

Formal reward.

高酬 is often for a one-time project; 高薪 is for a steady job.

高酬聘请临时顾问。

高薪的 vs 薪水

General term.

薪水 is just 'salary'; you need '高' (high) to make it '高薪'.

他的薪水很低。

高薪的 vs 福利

Non-monetary benefits.

福利 refers to insurance and perks; 高薪 is the cash.

这个工作福利好，但不是高薪的。

Sentence Patterns

我想要[Adjective]工作。

我想要高薪的工作。

[Place]有[Adjective]工作。

上海有高薪的工作。

虽然...但是是[Adjective]的。

虽然很累，但是是高薪的。

[Noun]的代价是[Noun]。

高薪的代价是失去自由。

[Noun]加剧了[Noun]。

高薪的现象加剧了竞争。

从[Context]来看，[Noun]是[Noun]。

从经济学来看，高薪是人才价值的体现。

为了[Goal]，他找了[Adjective]工作。

为了买房，他找了高薪的工作。

与其[Option A]，不如找[Adjective]工作。

与其浪费时间，不如找份高薪的工作。

Word Family

Nouns

高薪 (High salary)

薪水 (Salary)

薪金 (Pay)

薪酬 (Compensation)

Verbs

加薪 (To get a raise)

发薪 (To pay salary)

Adjectives

高薪的 (High-paying)

低薪的 (Low-paying)

财富 (Wealth)

收入 (Income)

职业 (Profession)

待遇 (Treatment/Benefits)

福利 (Welfare/Perks)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in job-related and financial discussions.

Common Mistakes

他是高薪的。 → 他有一份高薪的工作。
You need a noun for '高薪的' to modify.
这是一个高薪的房子。 → 这是一个昂贵的房子。
'高薪' only applies to labor and salary, not objects.
我追求高薪的薪水。 → 我追求高薪。
'薪' already means salary, so this is redundant.
他的高薪的工作是好的。 → 他的工作是高薪的。
Avoid double '的' if possible for better flow.
高薪的很多钱。 → 高薪意味着很多钱。
'高薪的' is an adjective, not a verb or noun phrase.

Tips

Using '的' correctly

Always include '的' when you are putting '高薪' directly before the noun it describes.

Salary Talk

In China, it's quite common to discuss whether a job is '高薪的' even with acquaintances.

Formal Contexts

Use '高收入' in written reports or academic papers to sound more professional.

Job Hunting

Look for the phrase '高薪诚聘' on job boards; it's the standard way to advertise well-paid roles.

Visualizing 'Xin'

Remember that '薪' has the grass radical (艹) because it originally meant firewood (plants).

Tone Accuracy

Don't let your voice drop on '薪'; keep it high and steady to sound like a native.

Context Clues

If you hear '薪', someone is almost certainly talking about money or work.

Stroke Order

Practice writing '薪' carefully; it's one of the more complex common characters.

Face (Mianzi)

Having a '高薪的' job is a major source of 'Face' for many Chinese families.

Redundancy

Never say '高薪的薪水'; it sounds like you are repeating yourself.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a tall (高) pile of firewood (薪) being given to you. That's a high salary!

Visual Association

A tall skyscraper (高) with a dollar sign on top, representing a high-paying job.

Word Web

Job Money High Success Status Effort Salary Benefits

Challenge

Try to use '高薪的' in three sentences today: once about your dream job, once about a famous person, and once about a difficult choice.

Word Origin

Composed of '高' (high) and '薪' (originally firewood). In ancient China, officials were sometimes paid in kind, including firewood and water (薪水 - xīnshuǐ).

Original meaning: High amount of firewood (metaphorically, high resources for living).

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing salaries with strangers; while common in China, some younger urbanites are adopting more private Western attitudes.

In English, 'six-figure salary' is a common equivalent concept, though 'high-paying' is more general.

News headlines about '高薪程序员' (high-paid programmers). TV shows like 'Ode to Joy' (欢乐颂) discussing career success. Recruitment slogans for 'Big Tech' companies.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

薪水要求
期待高薪
待遇优厚
五险一金

Social Gathering

在哪儿发财
高薪工作
买房买车
有出息

Economic News

平均工资
高薪行业
就业市场
人才流失

University Life

找工作
校招
高薪专业
起薪

Personal Planning

职业规划
追求高薪
生活质量
压力

Conversation Starters

"你觉得什么样的职业才是真正的高薪的职业？"

"为了高薪的工作，你愿意牺牲周末的时间吗？"

"在你的国家，哪些行业被认为是高薪的？"

"高薪的工作和有趣的工作，你会选哪一个？"

"你现在的目标是找一份高薪的工作吗？"

Journal Prompts

描述一下你心目中理想的高薪工作是什么样的。

讨论一下高薪工作带来的压力与回报是否成正比。

如果给你一份高薪但非常无聊的工作，你会接受吗？为什么？

分析一下为什么现在的年轻人如此追求高薪的职位。

写一封信给未来的自己，谈谈对高薪和幸福的看法。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is an adjective phrase. '高薪' can be a noun, but with '的', it always describes another noun, like a job.

It's better to say '他是高薪人士' or '他的薪水很高'. '他是高薪的' sounds incomplete in Chinese.

'高薪' is a compound noun/adjective. '薪水高' is a subject-predicate phrase. They mean the same thing but are used in different sentence structures.

You say '我想加薪' (Wǒ xiǎng jiāxīn). '加' means to add.

Yes, if the hourly rate is very high, you can call it a '高薪的兼职' (high-paying part-time job).

Typically IT/Tech, Finance, AI, and specialized medical fields.

Not necessarily, but in the current Chinese market, it is often associated with the '996' schedule.

Yes, '肥差' (féichāi) is a common colloquial term for a high-paying, 'fat' job.

Only if you follow it with a noun like '人才' (talent) or '员工' (employee).

The most direct opposite is '低薪的' (dīxīn de - low-paying).