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:

この物質の密度は非常に高いです。

Kono busshitsu no mitsudo wa hijō ni takai desu

The density of this substance is very high.

The density of this substance is very high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 物質 - noun meaning "substance"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 密度 - noun meaning "density"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very"
• 高い - adjective meaning "tall"
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

この商品の評価は高いです。

Kono shouhin no hyouka wa takai desu

The evaluation of this product is high.

The evaluation of this product is high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 商品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 評価 - noun that means "evaluation" or "classification"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 高い - adjective that means "high" or "elevated," but in this context means "good" or "excellent."
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and polite form

この製品の質は非常に高いです。

Kono seihin no shitsu wa hijō ni takai desu

The quality of this product is very high.

The quality of this product is very high.

• この - this
• 製品 - product
• の - of
• 質 - quality
• は - is
• 非常に - very
• 高い - high
• です - is (politeness)

この塀はとても高いです。

Kono hei wa totemo takai desu

This wall is very high.

This fence is very expensive.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 塀 - "wall"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb "very"
• 高い - adjective "tall"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この品物はとても高価です。

Kono shinamono wa totemo kōka desu

This product is very expensive.

This item is very expensive.

• この - this
• 品物 - item, product
• は - is
• とても - very
• 高価 - dear, valuable
• です - It (verb to be polite)

この薬の効力は非常に高いです。

Kono kusuri no kouryoku wa hijou ni takai desu

The effect of this medicine is very high.

• この - this
• 薬 - medicine
• の - of
• 効力 - effectiveness
• は - is
• 非常に - very
• 高い - high
• です - is (politeness)

この製品の仕様は非常に高いです。

Kono seihin no shiyō wa hijō ni takai desu

The specifications of this product are very high.

• この - this
• 製品 - product
• の - of
• 仕様 - specifications
• は - is
• 非常に - extremely
• 高い - high
• です - is (polite way of putting it)

この機械の性能は非常に高いです。

Kono kikai no seino wa hijō ni takai desu

The performance of this machine is very high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that indicates proximity, equivalent to "this" or "this"
• 機械 - noun meaning "machine"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship of belonging
• 性能 - noun meaning "performance" or "performance"
• は - particle that indicates the main theme of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 高い - adjective that means "high" or "elevated"
• です - verb "to be" in the present affirmative

この商品の値段は高すぎる。

Kono shouhin no nedan wa takasugiru

The price of this product is too high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 商品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 値段 - noun meaning "price" or "value"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 高すぎる - adjective meaning "very expensive" or "very high"

この商品の価格は高すぎます。

Kono shouhin no kakaku wa takasugimasu

The price of this product is too high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 商品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 価格 - noun meaning "price" or "value"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 高すぎます - The verb that means "to be too expensive" or "to be very expensive," conjugated in the present affirmative and polite form.