NetChai Chinese

What Does 高高在上 (gāo gāo zài shàng) Mean?

高高在上
gāo gāo zài shàng
Lofty and arrogant detachment
A person looks down dismissively from a raised position, illustrating “lofty and arrogant detachment” in Chinese: 高高在上 (gāo gāo zài shàng)

Being situated far above others, either physically or figuratively, is what this idiom conveys. It frequently implies an air of superiority or aloofness, where one adopts a condescending perspective towards others.

What does 高高在上 (gāo gāo zài shàng) mean?

高高在上 (gāo gāo zài shàng) means "lofty and arrogant detachment" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "high high up above."

Character by character

  • 高 gāo high
  • 高 gāo high
  • 在 zài at
  • 上 shàng above

When to use it

Describes individuals, groups, or even institutions that appear distant and out of touch with common people or practical realities. It carries a strong negative connotation, criticizing those who act with condescension or an unjustified sense of importance.

Example

他一副高高在上的样子,看了就讨厌。
Tā yífù gāo gāo zài shàng de yàngzi, kàn le jiù tǎoyàn.
His condescending attitude is annoying to behold.
Pro tip: While the literal sense describes a high physical position, the idiom is most often used to criticize a person's arrogant or patronizing demeanor rather than purely physical elevation.

Related idioms

反败为胜 · Turn defeat into victory丰富多彩 · Rich and varied content根深蒂固 · Deeply rooted foundation

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