崇 高(すうこう)

すうこう

na-adjective, noun

sublime; noble; lofty

formalwrittenliterarydescriptive

1. sublime; noble; lofty; exalted

Of the highest moral, intellectual, or spiritual value. Describes ideals, purposes, or experiences that inspire awe and reverence.

崇高(すうこう)な理想(りそう)を掲(かか)げる。

To uphold noble ideals.

自然(しぜん)の崇高(すうこう)な美(うつく)しさに心(こころ)を打(う)たれた。

I was struck by the sublime beauty of nature.

人命(じんめい)救助(きゅうじょ)という崇高(すうこう)な使命(しめい)を果(は)たすために働(はたら)いている。

They work to fulfill the noble mission of saving human lives.

崇高(すうこう) is a literary, elevated na-adjective describing things that inspire deep respect or awe — noble ideals, sublime beauty, or lofty purposes. Not used for everyday matters.

Common collocations

崇高(すうこう)な理想(りそう): lofty ideals
崇高(すうこう)な精神(せいしん): noble spirit
崇高(すうこう)な目的(もくてき): lofty purpose
崇高(すうこう)な犠牲(ぎせい): noble sacrifice
崇高(すうこう)な使命(しめい): noble mission

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This is a formal, literary word. It appears in speeches, essays, and serious writing. It would sound out of place in casual conversation.

Related words

崇(あが)める: to revere, to worship (related verb)
高貴(こうき): noble, distinguished (similar but for rank/birth)
気高(けだか)い: noble, dignified (i-adjective with similar meaning)

Related Words

Compare: 高尚(こうしょう) (refined; noble (can be ironic))

Related: 崇(あが)める (to revere, to worship)

Related: 高貴(こうき) (noble, distinguished)

Compare: 神聖(しんせい)な (holy)

Compare: 荘厳(そうごん)な (majestic)

general

Added 2026.3.19 21:19 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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