Meaning and Usage
"居高不下" literally means "to stay high and not go down." It is commonly used to describe prices, rates, or levels that remain persistently high without decreasing. This phrase often appears in economic or health contexts, such as housing prices, inflation rates, or blood pressure.
Common Collocations
- 房价居高不下: housing prices remain high
- 通货膨胀率居高不下: inflation rate stays high
- 血压居高不下: blood pressure remains elevated
Usage Notes
This phrase emphasizes the stubbornness or persistence of a high level. It usually carries a negative connotation, implying difficulty or concern due to the sustained high state. It is often used in formal or semi-formal contexts such as news reports or medical discussions.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse "居高不下" with phrases that describe temporary highs or fluctuations. "居高不下" stresses a stable or continuous high level rather than a momentary peak.