Definition
高低 literally means 'high and low' and as a noun it covers three main senses: (1) the physical height of something; (2) the relative level or standing between people or things, such as differences in ability or status; and (3) a sense of propriety or discretion, often appearing in the set phrase 不知高低 ('doesn't know what's appropriate'). Note that 高低 can also function as an adverb in colloquial speech (e.g., 高低不行 'absolutely won't do'), but that usage is a different word class not covered here.
n.
height (physical dimension)relative superiority or inferioritylevelstandingsense of proprietydiscretion (often in idiomatic phrases)
Examples
- 高低？Zhè zuò shān de gāo dī shì duōshǎo?What is the height of this mountain?
- 高低。Tāmen de shuǐpíng gāo dī bùtóng.Their proficiency levels are different.
- 高低，。Nǐ shuōhuà yào yǒu ge gāo dī, bié luàn shuō.You should have a sense of propriety when speaking; don't talk carelessly.
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