Translation and Meaning of: 高等 - koutou

The Japanese word 高等[こうとう] is a term that frequently appears in academic and formal contexts, but its meaning and use go beyond the basics. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about this expression, this article will explore its translation and origin, as well as how it is perceived in everyday life in Japan. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide accurate and useful information for those who want to master the language naturally.

Kōtō [高等] can be translated as "superior" or "advanced," but its application in specific phrases and situations reveals interesting nuances. Let's understand how this word is used in education, in institutions, and even in compound expressions that you may encounter in animes or educational materials. Get ready to discover details that go beyond the dictionary!

Meaning and usage of 高等 [こうとう]

The term 高等[こうとう] is composed of the kanjis 高 (tall, elevated) and 等 (class, grade), forming the idea of something of a higher level. It is commonly associated with educational institutions, such as 高等学校[こうとうがっこう] (high school), but it can also describe quality, difficulty, or hierarchy in other contexts. It is not limited to education, appearing in terms like 高等技術[こうとうぎじゅつ] (advanced technology).

In Japan, 高等[こうとう] carries a connotation of prestige when used in school or course names. Unlike the English "high," which can be generic, 高等[こうとう] suggests a socially recognized high standard. For example, 高等裁判所[こうとうさいばんしょ] refers to a court of higher instance, reinforcing the idea of authority and specialization.

Origin and Evolution of the term

The combination of the kanjis 高等 emerged during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan modernized its educational system. Schools that previously followed traditional models began to adopt divisions such as 初等[しょとう] (primary), 中等[ちゅうとう] (secondary), and 高等[こうとう] (higher). This classification reflected Western influence on the reorganization of Japanese education.

Interestingly, the kanji 等 has historically been used to indicate "social class" in the feudal caste system. Over time, it lost this negative hierarchical connotation, retaining only the sense of gradation in neutral or positive contexts, such as in 高等な教育 (high-level education). This change accompanied Japan's transformation into a more egalitarian society after World War II.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to solidify 高等[こうとう] is to associate it with compound words from academic everyday life. For example, 高等教育[こうとうきょういく] (higher education) and 高等部[こうとうぶ] (advanced department) are terms frequently found in school materials. Creating flashcards with these examples helps to internalize the context in which the word appears.

Another tip is to pay attention to the animes or dramas that depict Japanese school life. Series like "Assassination Classroom" mention 高等学校 when referring to high schools. This type of natural exposure to the language reinforces learning contextually, showing how the Japanese actually use the term in everyday life.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 上級 (Joukyuu) - Advanced level, high level of proficiency.
• 上等 (Joutou) - High quality, superior.
• 高級 (Koukyuu) - High-end, luxurious.
• 高位 (Koui) - High position, high status.
• 高次 (Kouji) - High level, higher degree.
• 高品質 (Kouhinshitsu) - High quality.
• 高度 (Koudou) - Advanced, sophisticated.
• 高価 (Kouka) - Dearest, of high price.
• 高級品 (Koukyuu hin) - High-quality products.
• 高級な (Koukyuu na) - What is high-end, luxurious.
• 高級感 (Koukyuu kan) - Feeling of luxury, sensation of high quality.
• 高級志向 (Koukyuu shikou) - Guidance for luxury and high quality.
• 高級住宅 (Koukyuu juutaku) - High-end residences.
• 高級車 (Koukyuu sha) - Luxury cars, high class.
• 高級ホテル (Koukyuu hoteru) - Luxury hotels.
• 高級ブランド (Koukyuu burando) - High-quality and prestigious brands.
• 高級料理 (Koukyuu ryouri) - High-quality cuisine.
• 高級感ある (Koukyuu kan aru) - Which has a sense of luxury.
• 高級志向の (Koukyuu shikou no) - With a focus on luxury.
• 高級な住宅 (Koukyuu na juutaku) - Luxury high-end homes.
• 高級な車 (Koukyuu na sha) - High-end, luxury car.
• 高級なホテル (Koukyuu na hoteru) - High-end, luxurious hotel.
• 高級なブランド (Koukyuu na burando) - High-end, luxurious brand.
• 高級な料理 (Koukyuu na ryouri) - High-quality, sophisticated dish.

高等

Romaji: koutou
Kana: こうとう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: high class; high quality

Meaning in English: high class;high grade

Definition: 1. To have excellent skill or ability. Or to be good in academic terms.

Example Sentences - (高等) koutou

See below some example sentences:

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

私は高等学校に通っています。

Watashi wa kōtōgakkō ni kayotte imasu

I am attending high school.

I'm going to high school.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 高等学校 (koutou gakkou) - The noun that means "high school".
• に (ni) - grammatical particle that indicates the direction or purpose of the action, in this case "to go to"
• 通っています (kayotteimasu) - The verb that means "to be attending" in the polite present continuous form is "通っています" (している, shite iru) for informal contexts.