Understanding "昂贵" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 昂贵
• Pinyin: áng guì
• Literal Meaning: "High" (昂) + "Expensive" (贵) = "Highly expensive"
• Primary Meaning: Expensive, costly (refers to high monetary or material value)

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  "昂贵" is used to describe something that has a high price or requires significant resources to obtain. It often implies that the cost is substantial relative to what is typical or expected. It can refer to physical items (e.g., luxury goods, real estate) or abstract concepts (e.g., an expensive education). Unlike "贵" (guì), which can simply mean "expensive," "昂贵" emphasizes a higher degree of costliness.

• Character Breakdown:

• 昂 (áng): Means "high," "lofty," or "to raise."
• 贵 (guì): Means "expensive" or "valuable."
  Together, they intensify the idea of something being very costly.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 这款手表非常昂贵。
   Pinyin: Zhè kuǎn shǒubiǎo fēicháng ángguì.
   English: This watch is very expensive.

2. Chinese: 在市中心买房太昂贵了。
   Pinyin: Zài shì zhōngxīn mǎi fáng tài ángguì le.
   English: Buying a house in the city center is too expensive.

3. Chinese: 医疗费用在某些国家很昂贵。
   Pinyin: Yīliáo fèiyòng zài mǒuxiē guójiā hěn ángguì.
   English: Medical expenses are very costly in some countries.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, discussing the cost of items is common, but calling something "昂贵" can sometimes carry a tone of reluctance or criticism, implying that the price may not be justified. Luxury goods, however, are often marketed as "昂贵" to emphasize their exclusivity and high status.

Conclusion

"昂贵" (áng guì) is a useful word for describing things that are very expensive. Remember it as a stronger version of "贵," emphasizing significant cost. Use it when discussing high-priced items or services to convey their substantial value or expense.