加高 (jiā gāo) — to raise; to increase the height of

Definition

Verb meaning 'to raise / increase the height of' something physical (a wall, bridge, fence). Often pairs with 把 (把 construction) when acting on an object.

verb
to raiseto increase the height of

Examples

  • 加高。
    Gōng rén men bǎ wéi qiáng jiā gāo le.
    The workers raised the wall.
  • 加高。
    Zhè zuò qiáo xū yào zài jiā gāo sān mǐ.
    This bridge needs to be raised by three more meters.
  • ？
    Zhè miàn qiáng jiā dé gāo ma?
    Can this wall be raised high?

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
补充bǔchōngVerb + complement

An action followed by its result or direction.

加jiāincrease
高gāohigh

加 adds or increases, and 高 shows becoming higher.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

加 pairs 力 and 口. In one explanation 力 is strength and 口 is the mouth, meaning exaggeration; in another 力 is plowing effort and 口 is breath or exclamation, meaning extra effort.

Open 加 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

高 was drawn as a tall building.

Open 高 →

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