高新技术
gāoxīnjìshù · HSK 7
High-tech
💻 高 high + 新 new + 技术 technology/skill = high-tech
高新 literally stacks 高 (gāo, high) with 新 (xīn, new), and 技术 (jìshù) means technology or technique. Together it labels cutting-edge fields like AI, biotech, or semiconductors — the stuff branded 高新 in Chinese tech parks.
高 — pictograph of a tall building/tower
高 is a pictograph of a tall structure, likely a watchtower or multi-story gate, with a roof on top, an upper chamber, and a base below. From this concrete image of height it extended to the general meanings 'tall,' 'high,' and figuratively 'lofty' or 'noble.'
新 — 立 stand + 木 tree + 斤 axe
Originally depicted cutting fresh wood with an axe (斤) from a tree (木), with 辛/立 as the phonetic component. The original meaning of 'firewood' was later written as 薪, while 新 took on the extended sense of 'new' or 'fresh'.