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March 24, 2026
高gāo(gao1)
The character 高 (gāo) primarily means 'high' or 'tall', often used to describe physical height or elevation. It can also imply something that is above average in quality or intensity, such as a loud sound. In Chinese, it is common to use this character in various contexts, including discussions about height, status, or even volume.
Strokes10Radical高Frequency#454DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, height can be associated with strength and status; thus, the character 高 might also carry connotations of respect when used honorifically. For example, senior figures or elders might be referred to with 高 to denote their elevated position in society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall mountain reaching up to the sky, representing 'high' (高). The character itself has a top component that looks like a peak, suggesting elevation. You can remember the pronunciation 'gāo' by picturing a goat (sounds like 'g') standing proudly at the top of this mountain.
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AI Study Notes for 高
Quick Contrast
高 (gāo, high) vs 远 (yuǎn, far) — use 高 when referring to height or elevation, not distance.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 高 (gāo) is pronounced with a high level tone. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in the phrase '高兴' (happy), which is common in greetings. Learners might mistakenly use it inappropriately in phrases where a different word is more suitable, like mixing it with '长' (cháng) when referring to length versus height.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 2 word, 高 (gāo) connects well with other basic adjectives and descriptors. Students should focus on using it in sentences that compare heights or qualities, like '他比我高' (He is taller than I am) to reinforce understanding and usage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 高 (gāo) with 低 (dī), which means 'low.' For example, saying '他很高' (He is very low) instead of '他很高' (He is very tall) reflects a common mix-up. Ensure you use the correct character and tone in context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 高
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Etymology of 高
Formation TypePictographic 象形
六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
The character 高 (gāo) primarily means 'high' or 'tall', often used to describe physical height or elevation. It can also imply something that is above average in quality or intensity, such as a loud sound. In Chinese, it is common to use this character in various contexts, including discussions about height, status, or even volume.
When to use 高
Be cautious with the tone; 高 (gāo) is pronounced with a high level tone. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in the phrase '高兴' (happy), which is common in greetings. Learners might mistakenly use it inappropriately in phrases where a different word is more suitable, like mixing it with '长' (cháng) when referring to length versus height.
高 or something close to it
高 (gāo, high) vs 远 (yuǎn, far) — use 高 when referring to height or elevation, not distance.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 高 (gāo) with 低 (dī), which means 'low.' For example, saying '他很高' (He is very low) instead of '他很高' (He is very tall) reflects a common mix-up. Ensure you use the correct character and tone in context.
Write 高
高
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Grammar Patterns of 高
高 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
