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)
Related words
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.
Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (高) taka
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (高) taka:
Example Sentences - (高) taka
See below some example sentences:
Issou takaku naritai desu
I want to be a higher level.
I want to be even higher.
- 一層 - "ichi sou" means "one floor" or "one level."
- 高く - "takaku" means "tall"
- なりたい - "naritai" means "to want to become"
- です - "desu" is a final particle that indicates formality and politeness.
Fudousan wa takai desu
The real estate sector is expensive.
- 不動産 (fudousan) - real estate
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 高い (takai) - expensive
- です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
nedan ga takai desu
The price is high.
- 値段 - price
- が - subject particle
- 高い - expensive
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Naikaku wa Nihon no seifu no saikō kikan desu
The cabinet is the maximum organ of the Japanese government.
The cabinet is the highest institution of the Japanese government.
- 内閣 - Cabinet, the executive body of the Japanese government
- は - Topic marking particle
- 日本 - Japan, Asian country
- の - Possession particle
- 政府 - government, set of bodies responsible for public administration
- の - Possession particle
- 最高 - highest, "supreme"
- 機関 - organ, "institution"
- です - Polite form of "to be" or "to stay"
Kyachin ga takai desu ne
The rent is expensive
The rent is high.
- 家賃 - rent
- が - subject particle
- 高い - expensive
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
- ね - particle of confirmation or agreement
Kare wa takai biru kara machi o mioroshite ita
He was looking at the city on top of a high building.
He looked at the city of a high building.
- 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 高い (takai) - tall (adjective)
- ビル (biru) - building (noun)
- から (kara) - of, from (particle)
- 街 (machi) - city (noun)
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 見下ろしていた (mioroshiteita) - was looking down (verb in past progressive tense)
Kanojo wa shakaiteki na chii o takameru tame ni doryoku shite iru
She is trying hard to increase her social standing.
She is working hard to improve her social status.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - She
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 社会的な (shakaitekina) - Social
- 地位 (chii) - Position
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 高める (takameru) - increase
- ために (tameni) - For
- 努力している (doryoku shiteiru) - You are making an effort.
Ishiki ga takai hito wa seikou suru kanousei ga takai desu
Highly conscious people will probably be successful.
- 意識が高い人 - Conscious people
- は - Topic particle
- 成功する - Success
- 可能性が高い - High probability
- です - Sentence-ending particle
Aijou wa jinsei no saikou no okurimono desu
Love is the best gift in life.
- 愛情 (aijou) - love
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 人生 (jinsei) - life
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 最高 (saikou) - better, maximum
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 贈り物 (okurimono) - gift, gift of offer
- です (desu) - verb to be, to stay
Saikou no ichinichi wo sugoshitai desu
I want to spend the best day possible.
I want to spend the best day.
- 最高の - "better"
- 一日 - "day"
- を - direct object particle
- 過ごしたい - "want to pass"
- です - Verb "to be" in the present tense
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
