高尚(こうしょう)

こうしょう
adjective (na)
noble; refined; lofty
1. noble; refined; lofty; high-minded
Describes something intellectually or morally elevated, such as pursuits, tastes, or character. Can also be used ironically to mock pretentiousness.
高尚(こうしょう)な趣味(しゅみ)をお持(も)ちですね。
You have refined tastes, don't you.
彼(かれ)は高尚(こうしょう)な理想(りそう)を掲(かか)げて活動(かつどう)している。
He is working toward lofty ideals.
高尚(こうしょう)な話題(わだい)ばかりで、少(すこ)し堅苦(かたくる)しい集(あつ)まりだった。
It was a somewhat stiff gathering, with nothing but highbrow topics.

USAGE: 高尚(こうしょう) can be used both sincerely (to praise intellectual or moral refinement) and ironically (to criticize pretentiousness or impracticality). Context determines which reading applies.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 高尚(こうしょう)な趣味(しゅみ) (refined hobby/taste)
  • 高尚(こうしょう)な人格(じんかく) (noble character)
  • 高尚(こうしょう)な理想(りそう) (lofty ideals)
  • 高尚(こうしょう)な話題(わだい) (highbrow topic)

SIMILAR WORDS: Compare with 上品(じょうひん) (elegant, refined), which focuses on outward manners and appearance, while 高尚(こうしょう) emphasizes intellectual or moral elevation. 崇高(すうこう) (sublime, lofty) is even more elevated and is rarely used ironically.

general
Added 2026.3.3 20:23
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