Translation and Meaning of: 高 - taka

The Japanese word 高[たか] is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. It frequently appears in daily life, in expressions, and even in place names. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical uses, along with curiosities that can aid in memorization. If you have already used the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you know how important it is to understand every detail of these words that are so present in Japanese.

In addition to meaning "tall" or "expensive," 高[たか] carries interesting nuances that reflect aspects of Japanese society. Let's see how it is used in different contexts, from informal conversations to more formal constructions. If you have ever wondered why this word appears in so many compounds, keep reading to find out.

Meaning and uses of 高[たか]

The most common meaning of 高[たか] is "high," whether in a physical sense (like height) or a figurative sense (like elevated prices). In stores, you might hear phrases like "高すぎる" (too expensive), while in descriptions of places, it indicates altitude or greatness. This duality between the concrete and the abstract is part of what makes the word so versatile.

Another interesting use is in proper names, such as Takashi (高志) or Takako (高子), where the kanji 高 conveys the idea of nobility or excellence. In fact, many Japanese names use this character precisely because of its positive connotation. This illustrates how the Japanese language associates height not only with physical dimensions but also with moral qualities and status.

Origin and writing of the kanji 高

The kanji 高 has a pictographic origin that dates back to ancient China. It visually represents a tower or elevated structure, with the upper radical suggesting a roof and the lower part indicating the base. This composition helps to understand why the character retains its main meaning even after centuries of evolution.

In modern writing, 高 is composed of 10 strokes and belongs to the group of kanjis taught in the second year of Japanese elementary school. Its kun'yomi (Japanese reading) is たか, while the on'yomi (Chinese readings) include コウ, as in 高校[こうこう] (high school). Mastering these variations is crucial for those who want to read Japanese fluently.

Tips for memorizing and using 高[たか]

An effective way to memorize 高[たか] is to associate it with common compound words. For example, 高温[こうおん] (high temperature) and 高齢[こうれい] (advanced age) show how the kanji modifies the meaning of the following word. Creating flashcards with these examples can speed up your learning, especially if you practice with complete sentences.

Interestingly, 高 also appears in everyday terms such as 高台[たかだい] (elevated platform), used for residential areas safe against tsunamis. This practical use reflects how the Japanese language integrates geography and disaster prevention into its basic vocabulary. Observing these cultural connections makes the study more interesting and memorable.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• たか (taka) - Eagle
• こう (kou) - Height; high; expensive (used in various contexts)
• たかい (takai) - High; expensive
• たかまる (takamaru) - Increase; rise (in the sense of height or status)
• たかめる (takameru) - Increase; raise (focused on intensifying something)

高

Romaji: taka
Kana: たか
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: amount; value; volume; number; amount of money

Meaning in English: quantity;amount;volume;number;amount of money

Definition: To be above things.

Example Sentences - (高) taka

See below some example sentences:

価格を高める。

Kakaku wo takameru

Raise the price.

Raise the price.

• 価格 (kakaku) - price
• を (wo) - object particle
• 高める (takameru) - increase

高度な技術が必要です。

Koudo na gijutsu ga hitsuyou desu

Advanced skills are required.

You need advanced technology.

• 高度な - means "advanced" or "sophisticated".
• 技術 - means "technology" or "technical skill".
• が - It is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 必要 - means "necessary" or "essential".
• です - is a polite way of saying "is" or "is".

高等教育は重要です。

Kōtō kyōiku wa jūyō desu

Higher education is important.

Higher education is important.

• 高等教育 - higher education
• は - Topic particle
• 重要 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

高速道路を走るのは楽しいです。

Kousoku douro wo hashiru no wa tanoshii desu

It's fun to drive on a high-speed highway.

It's fun to race on the road.

• 高速道路 - express highway
• を - direct object particle
• 走る - run, drive
• のは - particle that indicates topic
• 楽しい - Fun, pleasant
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

防犯意識を高めることが大切です。

Bouhan ishiki wo takameru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to increase crime prevention awareness.

It is important to increase safety awareness.

• 防犯意識 - security awareness
• を - object particle
• 高める - Increase, raise
• こと - abstract noun
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

高価な商品を買うのは難しいです。

Takaka na shouhin wo kau no wa muzukashii desu

It is difficult to buy expensive products.

• 高価な - adjective meaning "expensive"
• 商品 - noun meaning "product"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 買う - verb meaning "to buy"
• のは - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 難しい - adjective meaning "difficult"
• です - linking verb indicating the polite and formal form of speech

高い山が見えます。

Takai yama ga miemasu

I can see a high mountain.

You can see a high mountain.

• 高い - adjective that means high or tall in relation to a standard
• 山 - noun that means mountain
• が - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 見えます - verb that means to see or to be seen, conjugated in the present tense and polite

高尚な文化を持つ国です。

Takashō na bunka o motsu kuni desu

It is a country with a noble culture.

• 高尚な - sophisticated, refined
• 文化 - culture
• を - direct object particle
• 持つ - possess, have
• 国 - country
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

高原には美しい自然がたくさんあります。

Takahara ni wa utsukushii shizen ga takusan arimasu

There is a lot of beautiful nature on the plateau.

• 高原 - plateau
• には - indicates the location of the phrase
• 美しい - beautiful
• 自然 - nature
• が - subject particle
• たくさん - many
• あります - exists

運賃が高いですね。

Unchin ga takai desu ne

The fare is expensive.

The fare is high.

• 運賃 (うんちん) - transportation fare
• が - subject particle
• 高い (たかい) - expensive
• です - polite way of being
• ね - ending particle indicating confirmation or a search for agreement