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:

私はあなたより背が高いです。

Watashi wa anata yori se ga takai desu

I'm taller than you.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• あなた (anata) - personal pronoun meaning "you"
• より (yori) - particle that indicates comparison, in this case, "more than"
• 背 (se) - noun that means "height" or "stature"
• が (ga) - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 高い (takai) - adjective meaning "tall"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and courteous form of speech

私は高く跳ぶことができます。

Watashi wa takaku tobu koto ga dekimasu

I can jump high.

I can jump high.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 高く (takaku) - adverb that means "high" in Japanese
• 跳ぶ (tobu) - verb meaning "to jump" in Japanese
• こと (koto) - The word is "koto," which means "thing" in Japanese.
• が (ga) - Subject particle in Japanese.
• できます (dekimasu) - verb meaning "to be able to" in Japanese

私の月謝は高いです。

Watashi no getsusha wa takai desu

My monthly fee is expensive.

My monthly fee is high.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• の - possessive particle "of"
• 月謝 - monthly fee
• は - Topic particle
• 高い - High, dear
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

私の配偶者は私の最高の友人です。

Watashi no haigūsha wa watashi no saikō no yūjin desu

My spouse is my best friend.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 配偶者 - noun meaning "spouse" in Japanese
• は - particle indicating the theme or subject of the sentence
• 最高 - adjective meaning "better" or "superior" in Japanese
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 友人 - noun meaning "friend" in Japanese
• です - verb to be in the polite Japanese form

私の点数は高かったです。

Watashi no tensuu wa takakatta desu

My grade was high.

My score was high.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship of belonging
• 点数 - noun meaning "score" or "note"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 高かった - past tense verb meaning "it was high" or "it was high"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates politeness or formality

私は高校生です。

Watashi wa koukousei desu

I am a high school student.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 高校生 - noun that means "high school student"
• です - linking verb that indicates the state or condition of the subject (in this case, "to be")

私の志向は高いです。

Watashi no shikou wa takai desu

My orientation is high.

• 私の - possessive pronoun "my"
• 志向 - noun meaning "goal" or "ambition"
• は - topic particle indicating that what follows is the main subject of the sentence
• 高い - adjective that means "high" or "elevated"
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and polite form

私立学校は高いです。

Shiritsu gakkou wa takai desu

Private schools are expensive.

• 私立学校 (shiritsu gakkou) - private school
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 高い (takai) - expensive high
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

素質がある人は成功する可能性が高いです。

Soshitsu ga aru hito wa seikou suru kanousei ga takai desu

People with qualities will probably be successful.

• 素質 - quality, skill
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist, have
• 人 - person
• は - Topic particle
• 成功する - succeed
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - subject particle
• 高い - high
• です - to be (polite form)

総理大臣は国の最高指導者です。

Sōridaijin wa kuni no saikō shidōsha desu

The prime minister is the highest leader of the country.

The prime minister is the highest leader of the country.

• 総理大臣 - Prime Minister
• は - Topic particle
• 国 - Country
• の - Possessive particle
• 最高 - Louder, the loudest
• 指導者 - Leader, guide, mentor
• です - Verb "to be" in the present