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:

この産物はとても高品質です。

Kono sanbutsu wa totemo kouhinshitsu desu

This product is of high quality.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 産物 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 高品質 - compound noun that means "high quality"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この建物の水準は非常に高いです。

Kono tatemono no suijun wa hijō ni takai desu

The level of this building is very high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one"
• 建物 - noun meaning "building" or "construction"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 水準 - noun meaning "level" or "standard"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 高い - adjective that means "high" or "elevated"
• です - verb ser/ estar in the present tense, indicating affirmation or politeness

このタワーはとても高いです。

Kono tawā wa totemo takai desu

This tower is very tall.

This tower is very expensive.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• タワー - noun that means "tower"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 高い - adjective meaning "tall"
• です - linking verb that indicates formality and courtesy in the Japanese language

この建物は階層が高いです。

Kono tatemono wa kaisou ga takai desu

This building has many floors.

This building has a high level.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 建物 - noun meaning "building"
• は - topic particle indicating that the building is the subject of the sentence
• 階層 - noun meaning "floors" or "levels"
• が - subject particle indicating that "floors" is the subject of the sentence
• 高い - adjective meaning "tall"
• です - verb to be in the present tense

この製品は高品質です。

Kono seihin wa kōhinshitsu desu

This product is of high quality.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 製品 - noun that means "product/manufactured"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "this product"
• 高品質 - compound noun that means "high quality"
• です - the verb "to be" in the polite and formal form

このホテルは高級な設備とサービスを提供しています。

Kono hoteru wa kōkyūna setsubi to sābisu o teikyō shite imasu

This hotel offers luxury equipment and services.

• このホテル - "this hotel"
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 高級な - "Luxurious" in Japanese, with the suffix "na" indicating an adjective.
• 設備 - "Installations" in Japanese
• と - Particle that indicates "and" in Japanese
• サービス - "Services" in Japanese
• を - Particle that indicates the direct object in Japanese
• 提供しています - "Oferece" in Japanese, with the suffix "teiru" indicating continuous action and the verb "teikyou" meaning "to provide"

この店の商品は高いです。

Kono mise no shouhin wa takai desu

The products in this store are expensive.

The products in this store are expensive.

• この店の - indicates, in this case, "of this establishment"
• 商品 - means "product"
• は - particle that indicates the theme of the sentence, in this case, "product"
• 高い - adjective meaning "expensive"
• です - verb "to be" in the present, indicating an affirmation

そのレストランは名高いです。

sono resutoran wa mei takai desu

This restaurant is famous.

The restaurant is famous.

• その - demonstrative pronoun "that"
• レストラン - noun "restaurant"
• は - Topic particle
• 名高い - adjective "famous"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

ビルは高いです。

Biru wa takai desu

The building is high.

The building is expensive.

• ビル - Japanese word meaning "building"
• は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "building"
• 高い - adjective in Japanese that means "tall"
• です - verb of ser/estar in Japanese, which indicates that "building" is "tall"

ママは私の最高の友達です。

Mama wa watashi no saikou no tomodachi desu

Mom is my best friend.

• ママ (Mama) - mother
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私の (watashi no) - my
• 最高の (saikou no) - the best
• 友達 (tomodachi) - amigo/amiga
• です (desu) - Ser/estar (linking verb)