gou1 soeng6高尚
Jyutpinggou1 soeng6
Yalegōu seuhng
Definition
Lofty, noble, or high-principled.
neutraldescriptionspeople
How it's used
Often carries a slightly formal or literary weight, making it sound a bit stiff in casual conversation. It is typically reserved for describing moral character, ideals, or professional ethics rather than everyday actions. When used to describe a person, it implies a level of integrity that stands above common social compromises.
Examples
He is a noble person and never greedy for small gains.
Do you think doing this charity work is very noble?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to describe physical height or literal elevation, as it is strictly for moral or abstract concepts. Learners sometimes confuse it with 高級, which refers to high quality or luxury status rather than moral nobility.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
