高潮

gāocháo

high tide; high water

HSK 7

漢字分解

Meaning and Usage

"高潮" primarily means "high tide" in a literal sense, referring to the highest point of the sea level during tidal changes. It is commonly used in contexts related to the ocean, weather, and natural phenomena.

Besides the literal meaning, "高潮" is frequently used metaphorically to describe the climax or peak of an event, emotion, or process, such as the climax of a story, the peak of excitement, or the highest point of physical or emotional intensity.

Common Collocations

  • "高潮时间" (high tide time): used when talking about the timing of tides.
  • "高潮" (plot climax): refers to the most exciting or important part of a story or movie.
  • "达到高潮" (reach the climax/peak): used for physical, emotional, or event-related peaks.

Usage Notes

When used metaphorically, "高潮" often implies a buildup leading to a significant or intense moment. It is a formal word and appears frequently in literature, media, and formal speech. Avoid confusing it with "高超" (gāochāo), which means "superb" or "excellent."

例文

海边的高潮时间通常在下午三点左右。

Hǎibiān de gāocháo shíjiān tōngcháng zài xiàwǔ sān diǎn zuǒyòu.

The high tide at the seaside usually occurs around 3 p.m.

这部电影的高潮部分让观众感动得流泪。

Zhè bù diànyǐng de gāocháo bùfen ràng guānzhòng gǎndòng de liúlèi.

The climax of this movie moved the audience to tears.

运动员在比赛中达到了体力的高潮。

Yùndòngyuán zài bǐsài zhōng dádào le tǐlì de gāocháo.

The athlete reached the peak of physical strength during the competition.