高调 gāodiào high-sounding speech
high-sounding speech; bombast; high-profile
How to remember 高调: 高 high + 调 to adjust = high-sounding speech.
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How it is used
- High-profile / ostentatious; grandstanding: 高调宣布 (gāodiào xuānbù) to announce with fanfare; 唱高调 (chàng gāodiào) to spout high-sounding talk without action.
- Describes doing things showily and loudly; often mildly critical.
- Direct opposite of 低调 (dīdiào, low-key); 唱高调 = to make empty grand statements: 做人低调 (zuòrén dīdiào) keep a low profile.