gou1 gou1 zoi6 soeng6高高在上

Jyutpinggou1 gou1 zoi6 soeng6

Yalegōu gōu joih seuhng

形容詞

Definition

Condescending; looking down on others and feeling superior.

colloquialpeopledescriptions

How it's used

This idiom describes an attitude of superiority that creates distance between the speaker and others. It is frequently used to criticize people in positions of power or those who act as if they are better than their peers. The phrase carries a strong negative connotation of arrogance and detachment.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日gou1高gou1高zoi6在soeng6上，hou2好naan4難tung4同jan4人soeng1相cyu3處。

He is always condescending, making it hard to get along with others.

nei5你m4唔hou2好seng4成jat6日baai2擺ceot1出jat1一fu3副gou1高gou1高zoi6在soeng6上ge3嘅joeng2樣aa4呀。

Don't always act so high and mighty.

Common phrases

gou1高gou1高zoi6在soeng6上ge3嘅taai3態dou6度

condescending attitude

jat1一fu3副gou1高gou1高zoi6在soeng6上ge3嘅joeng2樣

an arrogant look

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply being tall or physically elevated. It is exclusively used to describe a personality trait or behavior, not physical height.