Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn 高い (takai). This word is like a magic word! It can mean expensive. Like, 'Wow, this toy is takai!' It means it costs a lot of money. It can also mean tall. Like, 'The tree is takai!' Or high, like the sky is takai. You use takai when you point to something and say 'Wow!' because it's big, or costs much money.
Takai (高い) is a very useful Japanese adjective. You can use it in a few main ways. First, it means expensive. If something costs a lot, you say it's takai. For example, 'This bag is takai.' Second, it means tall. You use this for people or things that have a lot of height, like a tall building. 'That building is takai.' Third, it can mean high, like a high place or a high sound. So, remember takai for expensive, tall, and high!
The Japanese adjective takai (高い) is a fundamental word with three core meanings: expensive, tall, and high. Context is key to understanding which meaning is intended. When discussing prices, takai clearly signifies 'expensive'. For instance, Kono hon wa takai desu (この本は高いです) means 'This book is expensive.'
When referring to physical dimensions, takai means 'tall' for people or 'high' for objects like buildings, mountains, or even abstract concepts like a high temperature or a high note in music. For example, Takai yama (高い山) translates to 'high mountain.' You'll frequently encounter takai in everyday conversations about shopping, travel, and descriptions of the environment.
Takai (高い) is a polysemous Japanese adjective, meaning it has multiple related meanings. Its primary senses are expensive, tall, and high. Understanding the context is crucial for accurate interpretation. In economic contexts, takai directly translates to 'expensive', indicating a high price or cost.
Beyond finance, takai denotes significant verticality. It's used for 'tall' when describing people or structures and 'high' for elevated positions, altitudes, or even abstract concepts like high expectations or a high score. For example, takai seiseki (高い成績) means 'high grades'. The adjective frequently pairs with nouns, forming common collocations like takai biru (高いビル - tall building) or takai seiyō (高い西洋 - high Western influence, implying advanced or superior).
The Japanese adjective takai (高い) exhibits a rich semantic range, primarily encompassing concepts of elevated value, dimension, or position. Its most common interpretations are expensive, tall, and high. The distinction between these meanings is almost always disambiguated by the surrounding lexical items and situational context.
In economic discourse, takai functions as a direct equivalent of 'expensive', denoting a high monetary cost. In physical contexts, it describes significant vertical extent, serving as 'tall' for animate or constructed objects and 'high' for geographical features, altitudes, or abstract levels. Furthermore, takai can be used metaphorically to signify a high degree or intensity, such as in takai kanmon (高い関門 - high barrier/hurdle) or takai shihanki (高い支持基盤 - high support base).
Its versatility allows it to be integrated into numerous idiomatic expressions and nuanced descriptions, reflecting its fundamental role in expressing magnitude and value within the Japanese language.
The Japanese adjective takai (高い) represents a core concept of elevation and high value, manifesting across economic, physical, and abstract domains. Its principal semantic extensions include expensive, tall, and high. The precise interpretation hinges on contextual cues, ranging from direct financial assessments to metaphorical applications.
Historically, the character 高 has signified height and superiority. In modern usage, takai can denote not only a high price (expensive) or significant verticality (tall/high) but also elevated status, intensity, or quality. Consider its use in expressing 'high spirits' (takai kibun - 高い気分), 'high risk' (takai kiken - 高い危険), or even 'high technology' (takai gijutsu - 高い技術). The adjective's ubiquity is underscored by its presence in classical literature and contemporary media, often carrying connotations of prestige, ambition, or aspiration.
Understanding the subtle gradations of takai, from its literal meanings to its figurative and idiomatic uses (e.g., takai benkyōdai - a costly lesson), is indicative of advanced Japanese proficiency. Its etymological connections and semantic breadth offer a window into the conceptual framework of the language.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- Takai (高い) is a versatile Japanese adjective.
- Main meanings: expensive, tall, high.
- Context is crucial to determine the intended meaning.
- Commonly used in daily life, shopping, and descriptions.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese word 高い (takai). It's an adjective that pops up all the time, and it's got a few key meanings that are really important to understand. Think of it as a word that describes things that are 'up there' in one way or another!
Primarily, takai means expensive. If you see a price tag that makes your eyes widen, you'd say that item is takai. It can also mean tall, referring to the height of people, buildings, or mountains. Finally, it can mean high, like the sky, a high note in music, or even a high level of something. The context is your best friend here to figure out which meaning is intended!
Understanding takai opens up so many doors in Japanese conversation. Whether you're talking about shopping, geography, or even music, this word is likely to come up. So, let's get ready to explore its different shades of meaning and how to use it like a pro!
The word takai (高い) has roots stretching deep into the history of the Japanese language. Its origin is believed to be onomatopoeic or descriptive, related to the feeling of something reaching upwards or being elevated. The character 高 itself has been used for centuries to represent height and elevation.
In ancient Japanese, similar sounds or characters likely conveyed the concept of 'high' or 'tall'. Over time, through the evolution of the written and spoken language, takai solidified its form and its core meanings. It's fascinating how a single word can encapsulate concepts as diverse as a lofty mountain peak and a hefty price tag, showing the language's efficiency.
Interestingly, the character 高 is also used in other East Asian languages, like Chinese (gāo), often with similar meanings related to height and rank. This shared linguistic heritage points to a common ancient linguistic source or significant cultural exchange. The journey of takai reflects the enduring human need to describe the vertical dimension and value.
Takai is a workhorse adjective in Japanese! You'll hear it constantly. When talking about prices, it's almost always used to mean expensive. For example, kono kuruma wa takai desu (この車は高いです) means 'This car is expensive.' Be careful though, as takai can also mean tall or high depending on what you're describing.
Think about physical height: ano hito wa takai (あの人は高い) means 'That person is tall.' For things like buildings or mountains, you'd also use takai: takai yama (高い山) means 'a high mountain.' And for things that are elevated, like a high shelf or a high note, takai fits perfectly: takai koe (高い声) is a 'high voice' or 'high pitch'.
It's important to note the register. While takai is standard, in very casual settings, slang might be used for 'expensive', but takai remains the go-to for 'tall' and 'high'. It combines smoothly with nouns: takai biru (高いビル - tall building), takai seiseki (高い成績 - high grades), and takai shitsuryō (高い失業率 - high unemployment rate). Mastering takai is key to sounding natural!
While takai is a straightforward adjective, it appears in several common expressions that add nuance:
- 高い目標 (takai mokuhyō): This means 'high goals' or 'ambitious goals'. It's used when someone sets a challenging target for themselves. Example: Kono shiken de jōka o mezasu, sore wa takai mokuhyō da. (この試験で上位を目指す、それは高い目標だ。) - Aiming for the top in this exam, that's an ambitious goal.
- 高い声 (takai koe): Literally 'high voice', this refers to a high-pitched voice or singing voice. Example: Kanojo wa totemo takai koe o shite iru. (彼女はとても高い声をしている。) - She has a very high-pitched voice.
- 高い人気 (takai ninki): This means 'high popularity' or 'great popularity'. It's used when someone or something is very well-liked. Example: Sono idoru wa takai ninki o hokori, kaijō wa kanpeki deshita. (そのアイドルは高い人気を誇り、会場は完璧でした。) - That idol enjoyed great popularity, and the venue was packed.
- 高い勉強代 (takai benkyōdai): This is a figurative expression meaning a 'costly lesson' or 'expensive education'. It refers to learning something through a mistake that had significant consequences or cost. Example: Daikin o wasureta no wa, takai benkyōdai ni natta. (代金を忘れたのは、高い勉強代になった。) - Forgetting the payment turned out to be a costly lesson.
- 高い評価 (takai hyōka): This translates to 'high evaluation' or 'high praise'. It's used when something receives excellent reviews or is highly regarded. Example: Kono shin sakuhin wa kritikka kara takai hyōka o eta. (この新作は批評家から高い評価を得た。) - This new work received high praise from critics.
Takai (高い) is a standard Japanese i-adjective. This means it conjugates directly, usually by changing the final 'i' sound. For example, to make it past tense, you change takai to takakatta (高かった). To make it negative, you change it to takakunai (高くない).
Pronunciation is key! In standard Japanese, it's pronounced ta-ka-i. The stress is relatively even across the syllables, with perhaps a slight emphasis on 'ka'. A common mistake for learners is to over-emphasize one syllable or to pronounce it too quickly. Listen carefully to native speakers!
Here's a quick breakdown:
- Present/Affirmative: 高い (takai) - expensive/tall/high
- Past Affirmative: 高かった (takakatta) - was expensive/tall/high
- Present Negative: 高くない (takakunai) - not expensive/tall/high
- Past Negative: 高くなかった (takakunakatta) - was not expensive/tall/high
Rhyming words are less common in Japanese due to its syllable structure, but words ending in '-ai' might share a similar vowel sound. Think of words like akai (赤い - red) or aoi (青い - blue), though the consonant sounds differ.
Fun Fact
The kanji character 高 has been used for over a thousand years to represent height and loftiness, appearing in ancient texts.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'tah-KAH-ee', with the emphasis slightly on the second syllable, but all syllables are clear.
Similar to UK, 'tah-KAH-ee', with a clear pronunciation of each vowel sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'i' at the end too softly, almost like 'tak-ah'.
- Adding an English 'r' sound before the 'i' (taka-rye).
- Overstressing the first syllable 'ta'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read once context is understood.
Straightforward conjugation, but choosing the right meaning requires practice.
Pronunciation is manageable, but choosing the right context is key.
Requires careful attention to context to distinguish meanings.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanzado
Grammar to Know
I-Adjective Conjugation
高い -> 高かった (past), 高くない (negative)
Using Adjectives with Nouns
高い建物 (takai tatemono)
Comparing with より (yori)
これはあれより高いです。(Kore wa are yori takai desu.)
Examples by Level
これ は 高い です。
This is expensive.
です (desu) is a polite ending.
あの 木 は 高い です。
That tree is tall.
あの (ano) means 'that' (far from speaker and listener).
空 は 高い です。
The sky is high.
は (wa) is a topic particle.
高い 声。
High voice.
No polite ending in this short phrase.
高い 山。
High mountain.
Noun + adjective phrase.
高い 値段。
High price.
値段 (nedan) means 'price'.
高い ビル。
Tall building.
ビル (biru) is a loanword for 'building'.
高い！
Expensive! / High!
Used as an exclamation.
この りんご は 高い ですか？
Is this apple expensive?
か (ka) at the end makes it a question.
いいえ、 高く ない です。
No, it's not expensive.
くない (kunai) is the negative form of i-adjectives.
あそこに 高い 山 が あります。
There is a high mountain over there.
あります (arimasu) means 'there is/are'.
彼 は とても 高い です。
He is very tall.
彼 (kare) means 'he'.
この レストラン は 値段 が 高い です。
The prices at this restaurant are high.
Prices (値段 - nedan) are high.
高い 音 が 聞こえますか？
Can you hear the high sound?
聞こえますか (kikoemasu ka) means 'can you hear?'
高い ところ は 好き じゃ ない です。
I don't like high places.
ところ (tokoro) means 'place'.
これは 安い ですか、 高い ですか？
Is this cheap or expensive?
安い (yasui) means 'cheap'.
この コート は デザイン が いい けど、 少し 高い です ね。
This coat's design is nice, but it's a bit expensive, isn't it?
けど (kedo) means 'but'. ね (ne) seeks agreement.
彼 は チーム で 一番 高い 位置 に いる。
He is in the highest position on the team.
一番 (ichiban) means 'most' or 'number one'.
富士山 は とても 高い 山 です。
Mt. Fuji is a very high mountain.
Proper nouns like 富士山 (Fujisan) are capitalized in English.
高い 空調 費 は 困ります。
High air conditioning costs are problematic.
費 (hi) means 'cost' or 'fee'.
彼女 の 声 は 高く て きれいだ。
Her voice is high-pitched and beautiful.
て (te) form connects adjectives.
この 都市 は 建物 が 高い こと で 知られ て いる。
This city is known for its tall buildings.
こと で 知られ て いる (koto de shirare te iru) means 'is known for'.
目標 を 高く 設定 する のは 大切だ。
Setting high goals is important.
設定 する (settei suru) means 'to set'.
この 辺り は 物価 が 高い。
Prices are high in this area.
物価 (bukka) means 'prices' or 'cost of living'.
最近、 外食 の 費用 が 高く なっ て き た。
Recently, the cost of eating out has become high.
〜て き た (~te ki ta) indicates a gradual change over time.
その 映画 は 高い 評価 を 得た が、 私 は あまり 面白い と 思わ なかっ た。
That movie received high praise, but I didn't find it very interesting.
評価 を 得る (hyōka o eru) means 'to receive praise/evaluation'.
彼 は 高い ところ が 苦手 な ので、 高層 ビル の 上 に は 行き た が ら ない。
He is not good with heights, so he doesn't want to go to the top of a skyscraper.
苦手 (nigate) means 'bad at' or 'dislike'.
この 地域 は 地震 の 際、 高い 津波 の 危険 性 が 指摘 さ れ て いる。
It has been pointed out that there is a high risk of tsunamis in this region during earthquakes.
危険 性 (kiken sei) means 'risk' or 'danger'.
彼女 は 高い 技術 を 持つ 熟練した 職人 です。
She is a skilled artisan with high technical ability.
熟練した (jukuren shita) means 'skilled' or 'experienced'.
高い 理想 を 掲げ て い て も、 現実 的 な 問題 に 対処 する 必要 が ある。
Even if one holds high ideals, it is necessary to deal with practical problems.
掲げる (kakageru) means 'to hoist' or 'to advocate'.
この ソフトウェア は 高度な 機能 を 備え て いる が、 操作 が 複雑 だ。
This software is equipped with advanced functions, but its operation is complex.
高度な (kōdo na) means 'advanced' or 'high-level'.
その 音楽家 は 高い 音域 まで 楽 に 出せる。
That musician can easily reach high notes.
音域 (on'iiki) means 'range' (musical).
経済 格差 が 拡大 し、 富裕 層 の 資産 が 高騰 する 一方で、 低 所得 者 層 の 生活 は 圧迫 さ れ て いる。
Economic disparities are widening, and while the assets of the wealthy are soaring, the lives of low-income earners are being squeezed.
高騰 する (kōtō suru) means 'to soar' or 'to skyrocket'.
その 芸術家 は、 伝統 技術 を 高い 次元 で 再解釈 し、 現代 アート として 昇華 さ せ た。
The artist reinterpreted traditional techniques at a high level and sublimated them as contemporary art.
昇華 さ せる (shōka saseru) means 'to sublimate' or 'to elevate'.
近年、 都市部 で は 高層 マンション の 建設 が 相次ぎ、 日照 権 や プライバシー に関する 高い 要求 が 生じ て いる。
In recent years, the construction of high-rise condominiums has continued one after another in urban areas, leading to high demands regarding sunlight rights and privacy.
日照 権 (nisshō ken) means 'sunlight rights'.
この 研究 は、 未知 の 分野 に 高い 挑戦 を 挑む も の であり、 その 結果 が 待た れる。
This research poses a high challenge to an unknown field, and its results are awaited.
挑む (idomu) means 'to challenge'.
彼は 高い 倫理 観 を 持って おり、 いかなる 状況 でも 正義 を 貫く。
He possesses high ethical standards and upholds justice in any situation.
倫理 観 (rinri kan) means 'ethical standards' or 'sense of morality'.
その 企業 は、 高い 技術力 と 独創性 を 背景 に、 国際市場 で 高い 競争力 を 維持 して いる。
Backed by its high technical capabilities and originality, the company maintains high competitiveness in the international market.
独創性 (dokusōsei) means 'originality'.
高い 理想 を 掲げる こと は 重要だ が、 それ を 実現 する ため の 現実 的 な 手段 を 講じ なけれ ば ならない。
While advocating for high ideals is important, practical measures must be taken to realize them.
講じる (kōjiru) means 'to take (measures)' or 'to resort to'.
この 作品 は、 鑑賞 者 に 高い 知的 刺激 を 与える と 同時に、 深い 感動 を 呼び起こす。
This work provides the viewer with high intellectual stimulation while simultaneously evoking deep emotion.
呼び起こす (yobiokosu) means 'to evoke' or 'to awaken'.
その 古典文学 作品 は、 人間 性 の 深淵 を 探求 し、 高度な 哲学的 洞察 を 提示 して いる。
That classical literary work explores the abyss of human nature, presenting profound philosophical insights.
深淵 (shin'en) means 'abyss' or 'profound depth'.
現代 資本主義 において、 企業 の 利益 追求 は しばしば 高い 社会 的 責任 と の 間 で 緊張 関係 に ある。
In contemporary capitalism, corporate profit-seeking often exists in a state of tension with high social responsibility.
緊張 関係 (kinchō kankei) means 'state of tension'.
彼 の 芸術 は、 伝統 的な 技法 を 踏まえ つつ も、 それ を 超越 する 高み へ と 達し て いる。
His art, while based on traditional techniques, reaches a high level that transcends them.
踏まえ つつ も (fuma e tsutsu mo) means 'while based on, yet...'
この 政策 は、 短期 的 に は 高い コスト を 伴う が、 長期 的 に は 持続 可能 な 社会 の 実現 に 不可欠 である。
This policy entails high costs in the short term, but it is indispensable for the realization of a sustainable society in the long run.
伴う (tomonau) means 'to accompany' or 'to entail'.
その 批評 家 は、 作品 の 芸術 的 価値 を 高く 評価 する 一方で、 その 商業 的 な 側面 について は 懐疑 的 な 見解 を 示し た。
While highly evaluating the artistic value of the work, the critic expressed skepticism about its commercial aspects.
懐疑 的 (kaigi teki) means 'skeptical'.
高度 な 知性 と 深い 共感 能力 を 兼ね備え た 人物 が、 社会 の 高い 次元 を 導く こと が できる。
A person possessing both high intelligence and deep empathetic ability can lead society to a higher level.
兼ね備え た (kane sonae ta) means 'to possess both'.
この 時代背景 において、 彼の 著作 は 既存 の 価値 観 に 対する 高い 挑戦 状 であった。
In the context of this era, his writings were a high challenge to existing values.
挑戦 状 (chōsen jō) means 'challenge' or 'declaration of challenge'.
その 建築 物 は、 空間 的 な 広がり と 光 の 効果 を 高度 に 計算 し、 訪れる 者 に 畏敬 の 念 を 抱か せる。
The architectural structure, with its highly calculated spatial expanse and light effects, inspires awe in visitors.
畏敬 の 念 (ikei no nen) means 'sense of awe' or 'reverence'.
Colocaciones comunes
Idioms & Expressions
"高い目標 (takai mokuhyō)"
Ambitious or challenging goals.
彼女は常に高い目標を持って努力している。
neutral"高い勉強代 (takai benkyōdai)"
A costly lesson learned through mistakes or hardship.
あの時の失敗は、私にとって高い勉強代だった。
neutral"高い人気 (takai ninki)"
Great popularity; being highly favored.
その新商品は発売以来、高い人気を博している。
neutral"高い評価 (takai hyōka)"
High praise, excellent review, or high regard.
彼の論文は学会で高い評価を得た。
formal"高い声で叫ぶ (takai koe de sakebu)"
To shout in a high-pitched voice (often due to surprise, fear, or excitement).
突然の物音に、彼女は高い声で叫んだ。
neutral"高いところから失礼します (takai tokoro kara shitsurei shimasu)"
A polite phrase used when speaking from a higher position (e.g., on a stage or balcony) to an audience below.
皆様、高いところから失礼します。本日はお集まりいただきありがとうございます。
formalEasily Confused
Both can relate to size or value, but in different ways.
'Takai' refers to vertical height, pitch, or cost. 'Ōkii' refers to general size (big) or volume (loud).
高い建物 (takai tatemono - tall building) vs. 大きい建物 (ōkii tatemono - big building). 高い声 (takai koe - high-pitched voice) vs. 大きい声 (ōkii koe - loud voice).
Direct antonym for one meaning of 'takai'.
'Takai' means expensive, while 'yasui' means cheap. They are direct opposites in the context of price.
この本は高いです。(Kono hon wa takai desu.) - This book is expensive. / この本は安いです。(Kono hon wa yasui desu.) - This book is cheap.
Direct antonym for other meanings of 'takai'.
'Takai' means tall or high, while 'hikui' means short or low. 'Takai' can mean high pitch, while 'hikui' means low pitch.
高い山 (takai yama - high mountain) vs. 低い山 (hikui yama - low mountain). 高い音 (takai oto - high sound) vs. 低い音 (hikui oto - low sound).
Very similar meaning (expensive).
'Takai' is a general adjective usable in most contexts. 'Kōka' is a more formal noun/na-adjective specifically meaning 'expensive' or 'high-priced', often used in business or formal writing.
これは高いです。(Kore wa takai desu.) - This is expensive. (Neutral) / これは高価な品物です。(Kore wa kōka na shinamono desu.) - This is an expensive item. (Formal)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + は (wa) + 高い (takai) + です (desu).
この時計 は 高い です。
高い (takai) + Noun
高い ビル が 建った。
Noun + が (ga) + 高い (takai)
値段 が 高い。
Noun + は (wa) + Noun + より (yori) + 高い (takai)
あの店 は この店 より 高い。
Noun + は (wa) + 高い (takai) + と思う (to omou)
私は それ が 高い と 思う。
Familia de palabras
Nouns
Adjectives
Relacionado
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Errores comunes
'Ōkii' refers to overall size, while 'takai' specifically relates to vertical dimension or cost.
'Takai' relates to pitch (frequency), while 'ōkii' relates to volume (amplitude).
Like other i-adjectives, the stem changes slightly before certain endings.
Japanese pronunciation generally lacks strong stress on individual syllables like English.
However, 'takai' is always understood and widely used for expensive items.
Tips
Context is King!
Always pay attention to the surrounding words when you encounter 'takai'. Is it talking about money, buildings, or sounds? This will tell you the meaning!
Shopping Buddy
When shopping in Japan, 'takai desu ka?' (高いですか？) is a useful phrase to ask 'Is it expensive?'
Price Sensitivity
While 'takai' is neutral, be mindful when discussing prices. Directly saying something is 'takai' might be perceived as blunt in certain social contexts.
Adjective Ending
Remember 'takai' is an i-adjective. Its ending changes for past tense ('takakatta') and negative ('takakunai').
Smooth Sailing
Practice saying 'ta-ka-i' smoothly, giving each syllable equal weight. Avoid stressing one syllable too much.
Don't Mix Up 'Takai' and 'Ōkii'
Remember: 'Takai' = vertical height/price. 'Ōkii' = general size. A tall building is 'takai biru', but a big house might be 'ōkii ie'.
One Word, Many Worlds
The fact that 'takai' covers 'expensive', 'tall', and 'high' shows the efficiency of Japanese. English needs three separate words!
Flashcard Power
Create flashcards with 'takai' on one side and the three meanings (expensive, tall, high) on the other. Add example sentences for each meaning.
Describing People
To specifically say someone is tall, use 'se ga takai' (背が高い). It's more common and natural than just 'takai hito'.
Connecting Ideas
Use the て-form (takakute) to connect 'takai' with another i-adjective, like 'takakute kirei' (高くてきれい - tall and beautiful).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a <strong>TAKA</strong>t-like bird flying very <strong>HIGH</strong>, and its nest is very <strong>TALL</strong>, and the eggs are very <strong>EXPENSIVE</strong>!
Visual Association
Picture a mountain peak reaching into the clouds (high, tall) with a price tag of ¥10,000,000 attached (expensive).
Word Web
Desafío
Try describing three things you see right now using 'takai'. Are they expensive, tall, or high?
Origen de la palabra
Japanese
Original meaning: Likely related to the concept of elevation, reaching upwards.
Contexto cultural
When discussing prices, be mindful of the listener's financial situation. Directly calling something 'takai' might be impolite if it implies criticism of their choices or ability to afford it.
In English-speaking cultures, 'expensive', 'tall', and 'high' are distinct words. Japanese 'takai' demonstrates how one word can cover related concepts, requiring context for clarity.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Shopping
- これは高いですか？ (Kore wa takai desu ka?) - Is this expensive?
- もっと安いのはありますか？ (Motto yasui no wa arimasu ka?) - Do you have anything cheaper?
- ちょっと高いですね。(Chotto takai desu ne.) - It's a bit expensive, isn't it.
Describing Environment
- 高い山に登る (Takai yama ni noboru) - To climb a high mountain
- 高い建物がたくさんある (Takai tatemono ga takusan aru) - There are many tall buildings
- 空が高い (Sora ga takai) - The sky is high
Music/Sound
- 高い声で歌う (Takai koe de utau) - To sing in a high voice
- 高い音を聞く (Takai oto o kiku) - To hear a high sound
Goals & Ambition
- 高い目標を持つ (Takai mokuhyō o motsu) - To have high goals
- 高い理想を掲げる (Takai risō o kakageru) - To advocate high ideals
Conversation Starters
"このお店、値段が高いと思いませんか？ (Kono omise, nedan ga takai to omoimasen ka?) - Don't you think the prices in this shop are high?"
"あなたが今まで買ったもので一番高かったのは何ですか？ (Anata ga ima made katta mono de ichiban takakatta no wa nan desu ka?) - What's the most expensive thing you've ever bought?"
"あの高い建物は何ですか？ (Ano takai tatemono wa nan desu ka?) - What is that tall building?"
"あなたの国の最も高い山について教えてください。(Anata no kuni no mottomo takai yama ni tsuite oshiete kudasai.) - Tell me about the highest mountain in your country."
"高い声で歌うのは得意ですか？ (Takai koe de utau no wa tokui desu ka?) - Are you good at singing in a high voice?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you bought something expensive. Was it worth the 'takai' price?
Think about a tall building or a high place you've seen. Write about the feeling of seeing it.
What are your 'takai mokuhyō' (high goals) for the next year? Write them down.
Compare the prices of similar items in Japan and your home country. Use the word 'takai' in your description.
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntasNo, 'takai' can mean expensive, tall, or high depending on the context. For example, 'takai yama' means high mountain, and 'takai hito' means tall person.
'Takai' refers to vertical height or price, while 'ōkii' refers to general size (big).
You can use 'takai' (高い), or more specifically 'se ga takai' (背が高い).
Yes, it can be used for abstract concepts like 'high goals' (高い目標 - takai mokuhyō) or 'high evaluation' (高い評価 - takai hyōka).
The opposite depends on the meaning. For 'expensive', it's 'yasui' (安い - cheap). For 'tall/high', it's 'hikui' (低い - short/low).
'Takai' itself is a neutral adjective. Adding 'desu' (です) at the end makes it polite. For very formal situations regarding price, 'kōka' (高価) might be preferred.
The past tense is 'takakatta' (高かった).
It's an idiom meaning a 'costly lesson', learned through a mistake or difficult experience.
Ponte a prueba
この りんご は ____ です。
The sentence is likely about the price of the apple, making 'expensive' the most fitting adjective.
What does '高い山' mean?
山 (yama) means mountain, and 高い (takai) in this context means high.
If someone says 'この車は高い', they mean the car is small.
高い (takai) in this context means expensive, not small.
Word
Significado
Matches common phrases with their English equivalents.
The correct sentence is '彼はとても高いです' (Kare wa totemo takai desu), meaning 'He is very tall'.
その 映画 は ____ 評価 を 得た。
The phrase '評価を得た' (hyōka o eta) means 'received evaluation/praise', and '高い' (takai) fits the context of positive reception.
Which sentence uses 'takai' to mean 'ambitious'?
'高い目標' (takai mokuhyō) means 'high goals' or 'ambitious goals'.
The phrase '高い勉強代' refers to a situation where someone learns a valuable skill for free.
'高い勉強代' (takai benkyōdai) means a 'costly lesson', implying a negative experience or significant loss from which one learns.
これは ____ です。買えません。
The phrase '買えません' (kaemasen) means 'cannot buy', suggesting the item is expensive.
Word
Significado
高騰する (kōtō suru) is a formal verb often used with prices or values.
Puntuación: /10
Summary
Mastering 'takai' unlocks understanding of price, height, and elevation in Japanese.
- Takai (高い) is a versatile Japanese adjective.
- Main meanings: expensive, tall, high.
- Context is crucial to determine the intended meaning.
- Commonly used in daily life, shopping, and descriptions.
Context is King!
Always pay attention to the surrounding words when you encounter 'takai'. Is it talking about money, buildings, or sounds? This will tell you the meaning!
Shopping Buddy
When shopping in Japan, 'takai desu ka?' (高いですか？) is a useful phrase to ask 'Is it expensive?'
Price Sensitivity
While 'takai' is neutral, be mindful when discussing prices. Directly saying something is 'takai' might be perceived as blunt in certain social contexts.
Adjective Ending
Remember 'takai' is an i-adjective. Its ending changes for past tense ('takakatta') and negative ('takakunai').
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能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
