When you want to describe something as high-class or luxurious, you can use the Japanese word 高級な (kōkyū na). This adjective is perfect for things like fancy hotels, expensive restaurants, or high-quality products. It implies a sense of elegance and superior quality.
For example, if you see a really nice car, you could say it's 高級な車 (kōkyū na kuruma), meaning 'a high-class car.' Or, if you're talking about a very nice watch, you'd call it a 高級な時計 (kōkyū na tokei). It's a straightforward way to express that something is top-tier and well-made.
When you want to describe something as high-class or luxurious, the Japanese word to use is 高級な (kōkyū na). This adjective is really versatile and can be applied to a wide range of items, from food and hotels to clothing and experiences. Think of it as a way to express that something is of superior quality, often implying elegance and a higher price point.
For example, you might talk about a 高級なホテル (kōkyū na hoteru - a luxurious hotel) or 高級な料理 (kōkyū na ryōri - high-class cuisine). It's a great word to have in your vocabulary when discussing quality and luxury in Japanese.
When talking about something fancy or top-tier, you’ll often hear the word 高級な (kōkyū na). This adjective is your go-to for describing anything that’s high-class or luxurious. Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of saying “premium” or “upscale” for goods, services, or even experiences.
For example, if you're talking about a fancy car, a high-end restaurant, or even quality ingredients, 高級な fits perfectly. It implies not just a higher price, but also superior quality, craftsmanship, or an exclusive experience. You'll often see it paired with nouns like ホテル (hoteru, hotel), レストラン (resutoran, restaurant), or ワイン (wain, wine).
§ What does 高級な (Koukyuu na) mean?
Let's break down 高級な (koukyuu na). This is an important adjective in Japanese that you'll hear a lot. It describes something as 'high-class,' 'luxurious,' or 'premium.' Think of things that are well-made, expensive, and generally of a superior quality or status. It's not just about the price tag, though that's often a factor. It's about the overall impression of quality and refinement.
- DEFINITION
- High-class; luxurious; premium quality.
When you use 高級な, you're usually talking about:
- Products: This could be anything from a 高級な車 (koukyuu na kuruma - high-class car) to 高級な食材 (koukyuu na shokuzai - high-quality ingredients).
- Places: A 高級なホテル (koukyuu na hoteru - luxurious hotel) or a 高級なレストラン (koukyuu na resutoran - fancy restaurant).
- Materials: You might describe a fabric as 高級な (koukyuu na) if it's silk or a high-thread-count cotton.
- Experiences: While less common than objects or places, you could describe a very special and indulgent experience as 高級な.
It's a 'na-adjective,' which means it acts a little differently than 'i-adjectives' when it modifies a noun. You'll attach な (na) directly to 高級 when it comes before a noun, like in the examples above.
これは本当に高級な時計ですね。
This is a truly high-class watch, isn't it?
彼女は高級なマンションに住んでいます。
She lives in a luxurious apartment.
§ When do people use 高級な?
People use 高級な when they want to emphasize the superior quality, elegance, or elevated status of something. It's a way to distinguish an item or service from its more common or budget-friendly counterparts. You'll hear it in a variety of contexts, from advertising to everyday conversation.
- Shopping: If you're looking for something special, like a gift or an item for yourself, you might ask for or refer to 高級なもの (koukyuu na mono - high-class items).
- Dining: When choosing a restaurant for a special occasion, you might look for a 高級なレストラン.
- Travel: A 高級なホテル is often chosen for comfort and excellent service.
- Describing quality: If you're impressed by the quality of a product, you can use 高級な to express that.
It's a straightforward word, but its implication carries weight. It sets an expectation of excellence and often, a higher price point. It's not usually used ironically or sarcastically; it genuinely describes something perceived as top-tier.
誕生日だから、今日は高級なワインを飲もう。
It's my birthday, so let's drink high-class wine today.
彼女はいつも高級な服を着ています。
She always wears expensive/luxurious clothes.
§ Understanding 高級な (Kōkyū na)
Alright, let's break down 高級な (kōkyū na). This is a useful adjective to know if you want to describe something as 'high-class' or 'luxurious.' It’s a 'na-adjective,' which means it behaves a little differently from 'i-adjectives.' Don't worry, it's not complicated.
- DEFINITION
- High-class; luxurious.
The kanji themselves give you a clue. 高 (kō) means 'high' or 'expensive,' and 級 (kyū) means 'grade' or 'rank.' So, literally, it's 'high grade.' When you add the 'な' (na) at the end, it becomes an adjective that can directly modify a noun. Let’s look at how to actually use it.
§ Modifying Nouns
This is the most common way you'll use 高級な. You simply put it directly before the noun you want to describe. Remember, because it's a 'na-adjective,' you need that 'な' (na) when it comes before a noun.
これは高級な車です。
Translation hint: This is a high-class car.
高級なレストランで食事をしました。
Translation hint: I ate a meal at a luxurious restaurant.
§ Using it with です (desu) or だ (da)
When 高級な comes at the end of a sentence and describes the subject, you drop the 'な' and simply attach です (desu) for polite speech or だ (da) for casual speech.
あのホテルはとても高級です。
Translation hint: That hotel is very luxurious.
彼女のバッグは高級だね。
Translation hint: Her bag is high-class, isn't it?
§ Using it adverbially: 高級に (kōkyū ni)
While less common than directly modifying a noun, you can use the adverbial form 高級に (kōkyū ni) to describe how an action is performed in a 'high-class' or 'luxurious' manner, though this usage might feel a bit more formal or specific.
その部屋は高級に装飾されていた。
Translation hint: That room was luxuriously decorated.
§ Common Phrases and Usage
You'll often hear 高級な used in specific contexts. Here are a few examples:
- 高級ホテル (kōkyū hoteru): Luxurious hotel
- 高級レストラン (kōkyū resutoran): High-class restaurant
- 高級車 (kōkyūsha): Luxury car
- 高級品 (kōkyūhin): Luxury goods/items
彼はいつも高級品ばかり買っている。
Translation hint: He always buys only luxury items.
Practice using 高級な in your own sentences. The more you use it, the more natural it will feel. Pay attention to whether you need the 'な' or not based on its position in the sentence.
How Formal Is It?
"このホテルは<b>高級な</b>サービスを提供しています。"
"彼は<b>高級な</b>車に乗っています。"
"このレストランはちょっと<b>高い</b>けど、美味しいよ。"
"このおもちゃはすごく<b>いい</b>ね！"
"あの店の料理、マジで<b>ヤバい</b>！(as in 'awesome'/'amazing' in a good way, implying high quality)"
Le savais-tu ?
Many Japanese words related to quality, class, or rank have Chinese origins, reflecting the historical influence of Chinese culture and language on Japan.
Guide de prononciation
- Mispronouncing the long 'o' sound (こう) as a short 'o'. It should be held slightly longer.
- Not distinguishing the double 'u' sound (きゅう) from a single 'u'. It's also a long vowel.
Grammaire à connaître
高級な is a な-adjective. This means that when it directly modifies a noun, it needs a な particle between the adjective and the noun. For example, 高級なレストラン (こうきゅうなレストラン) means "a high-class restaurant."
彼女はいつも高級な服を着ています。 (かのじょはいつもこうきゅうなふくをきています。) - She always wears high-class clothes.
When 高級な is used as a predicate (describing the subject of the sentence), you don't need the な particle. It functions like a regular adjective. For example, この車は高級です (このくるまはこうきゅうです) means "This car is high-class."
このホテルはとても高級です。 (このホテルはとてもこうきゅうです。) - This hotel is very luxurious.
To make 高級な negative, you change です to ではありません or じゃないです. For example, 高級ではありません (こうきゅうではありません) means "It is not high-class."
このバッグは高級ではありません。 (このバッグはこうきゅうではありません。) - This bag is not high-class.
To describe an action or state as 'luxuriously' or 'in a high-class way,' you can use 高級に followed by a verb. For example, 高級に暮らす (こうきゅうにくらす) means "to live luxuriously."
彼はいつも高級に食事をします。 (かれはいつもこうきゅうにしょくじをします。) - He always eats luxuriously.
高級な can be used metaphorically to describe something of high quality or sophisticated, not just financially expensive. For example, 高級なジョーク (こうきゅうなジョーク) could mean "a sophisticated joke."
これは高級な味わいです。 (これはこうきゅうなあじわいです。) - This has a sophisticated/rich taste.
Exemples par niveau
これは高級なレストランです。
This is a high-class restaurant.
これは (kore wa): This is. 高級な (kōkyū na): high-class (adjective). レストラン (resutoran): restaurant. です (desu): is (copula).
高級な車を見ました。
I saw a luxurious car.
高級な (kōkyū na): luxurious (adjective). 車 (kuruma): car. を見ました (o mimashita): saw (past tense of 見る miru).
彼女は高級な服を着ています。
She is wearing high-class clothes.
彼女は (kanojo wa): She is. 高級な (kōkyū na): high-class (adjective). 服 (fuku): clothes. を着ています (o kite imasu): is wearing (present continuous of 着る kiru).
これは高級なホテルですか？
Is this a luxurious hotel?
これは (kore wa): This is. 高級な (kōkyū na): luxurious (adjective). ホテル (hoteru): hotel. ですか (desu ka): is it? (question particle).
高級な時計が欲しいです。
I want a luxurious watch.
高級な (kōkyū na): luxurious (adjective). 時計 (tokei): watch. が欲しいです (ga hoshii desu): I want (desire).
あの店は高級なパンを売っています。
That shop sells high-class bread.
あの店 (ano mise): That shop. は (wa): topic particle. 高級な (kōkyū na): high-class (adjective). パン (pan): bread. を売っています (o utte imasu): is selling (present continuous of 売る uru).
これは高級なプレゼントです。
This is a high-class present.
これは (kore wa): This is. 高級な (kōkyū na): high-class (adjective). プレゼント (purezento): present. です (desu): is (copula).
高級なワインを飲みました。
I drank luxurious wine.
高級な (kōkyū na): luxurious (adjective). ワイン (wain): wine. を飲みました (o nomimashita): drank (past tense of 飲む nomu).
これはとても高級なワインです。
This is a very high-class wine.
彼女はいつも高級なレストランに行きます。
She always goes to luxurious restaurants.
あのホテルは高級なサービスで有名です。
That hotel is famous for its high-class service.
高級な車を買うのは私の夢です。
Buying a luxurious car is my dream.
このバッグは高級な革で作られています。
This bag is made from high-class leather.
彼は高級な時計をたくさん持っています。
He has many luxurious watches.
高級なマンションに住んでみたいです。
I want to try living in a high-class apartment.
このお店には高級なプレゼントがたくさんあります。
This store has many luxurious gifts.
彼女はいつも高級なレストランで食事をするのが好きです。
She always likes to dine at high-class restaurants.
「高級な」modifies 「レストラン」 (restaurant). 「〜のが好きです」 expresses liking to do something.
このホテルはサービスも設備も全てが高級だ。
This hotel's service and facilities are all luxurious.
「高級だ」 is the plain form of the adjective, used here to describe the hotel's qualities.
彼は高級な時計をいくつか持っている。
He owns several high-end watches.
「高級な」 modifies 「時計」 (watch). 「いくつか」 means 'several'.
高級な食材を使って、特別な料理を作りました。
I made a special dish using high-quality ingredients.
「高級な」 modifies 「食材」 (ingredients). 「〜を使って」 means 'using ~'.
彼女は高級なブランド品を好む傾向がある。
She tends to prefer luxury brand items.
「高級な」 modifies 「ブランド品」 (brand items). 「〜傾向がある」 means 'there is a tendency to ~'.
彼の車はとても高級で、誰もがうらやむほどだ。
His car is so luxurious that everyone envies it.
「高級で」 is the て-form of the adjective, connecting to the next clause. 「〜ほどだ」 means 'to the extent that ~'.
あの地域には高級な住宅が多い。
There are many high-class residences in that area.
「高級な」 modifies 「住宅」 (residences). 「〜が多い」 means 'there are many ~'.
高級なワインは、やはり香りが違う。
High-quality wine, as expected, has a different aroma.
「高級な」 modifies 「ワイン」 (wine). 「やはり」 means 'as expected' or 'after all'.
Souvent confondu avec
This is the noun form, meaning 'high price' or 'expensiveness'. '高級な' is an adjective, so you'd use '高級なもの' (a high-class thing) versus '高価なもの' (an expensive thing).
This is a noun meaning 'luxury item' or 'high-class goods'. While related, '高級な' is the adjective describing the quality, and '高級品' is the item itself.
This means 'gorgeous,' 'splendid,' or 'luxurious.' It often emphasizes visual splendor and grandeur, sometimes more so than '高級な' which focuses on inherent quality and status. A '豪華な' party might be very elaborate, while a '高級な' party might be exclusive and refined.
Facile à confondre
Both '高級な' and '高価な' can describe something as having a high price. However, their nuances are different.
'高価な' simply means expensive or high-priced. It doesn't necessarily imply quality or luxury. You can have something '高価な' that isn't particularly luxurious. On the other judicial, '高級な' implies high quality, sophistication, and luxury, which often results in a high price.
これは**高価な**指輪です。(Kore wa **kouka na** yubiwa desu.) Hint: This is an expensive ring.
Both terms relate to luxury, but '贅沢な' focuses more on extravagance or indulgence.
'贅沢な' emphasizes the indulgent or extravagant aspect of something, often implying that it's beyond what's strictly necessary or common. '高級な' describes the inherent quality and status of an item.
週末に**贅沢な**旅行をしました。(Shūmatsu ni **zeitaku na** ryokō o shimashita.) Hint: I took a luxurious/extravagant trip on the weekend.
Both words can describe something of good quality or refined taste.
'上品な' refers to elegance, refinement, or good taste, often in a more subtle and sophisticated way. '高級な' is more about the top tier of quality and price, implying a higher status. Something '上品な' can be '高級な', but not all '高級な' things are necessarily '上品な' (e.g., a very expensive but gaudy item).
彼女はいつも**上品な**服を着ています。(Kanojo wa itsumo **jōhin na** fuku o kiteimasu.) Hint: She always wears elegant clothes.
Both imply top-tier or excellent.
'一流の' means first-class or top-notch, often referring to skill, reputation, or rank. While '高級な' often implies '一流の' quality, '一流の' can apply to things that aren't necessarily luxurious in the same way (e.g., an '一流の' chef or '一流の' university). '高級な' is more about the product or service itself being high-end.
彼は**一流の**ピアニストです。(Kare wa **ichiryū no** pianisuto desu.) Hint: He is a first-class pianist.
Both terms indicate high quality.
'高品質の' directly means high quality, focusing purely on the manufacturing standards, materials, or performance. '高級な' goes beyond just quality to include elements of status, brand, design, and overall luxurious feel. Something can be '高品質の' without being '高級な' (e.g., a durable, well-made tool that isn't luxurious).
この製品は**高品質の**素材で作られています。(Kono seihin wa **kōhinshitsu no** sozai de tsukurareteimasu.) Hint: This product is made from high-quality materials.
Comment l'utiliser
When something is 高級(こうきゅう)な (kōkyū-na), it means it's of high quality, luxurious, or high-class. You'll often see this word used for items like cars, hotels, restaurants, or clothing. It implies a sense of elegance and expense.
For example, you could say:
- 高級(こうきゅう)なホテル (kōkyū na hoteru) - a high-class hotel
- 高級(こうきゅう)なレストラン (kōkyū na resutoran) - a luxurious restaurant
- 高級(こうきゅう)な車(くるま) (kōkyū na kuruma) - a high-class car
A common mistake is confusing 高級(こうきゅう)な (kōkyū-na) with expensive (高(たか)い - takai). While 高級(こうきゅう)な items are often expensive, the word itself emphasizes quality, luxury, and status, not just price. Something can be 高(たか)い (expensive) without necessarily being 高級(こうきゅう)な (luxurious) in the sense of high quality or elegance.
For instance, a simple, everyday item might be expensive due to its rarity or current demand, but you wouldn't necessarily describe it as 高級(こうきゅう)な.
Also, remember that 高級(こうきゅう)な is a な-adjective, so it needs な before a noun. Don't say 高級(こうきゅう)ホテル; say 高級(こうきゅう)なホテル.
Origine du mot
From Middle Chinese '高' (kaw, “high”) and '級' (khip, “rank, class”), later borrowed into Japanese. The 'な' is a grammatical particle turning the noun into an adjective.
Sens originel : High rank or class.
Sino-JapaneseContexte culturel
When talking about something being 高品質 (kōhinshitsu - high quality), 高級な (kōkyū na) is often used to describe items or services that are not just good, but exceptionally refined and often expensive. It implies a certain level of status or luxury, and can be applied to anything from cars to food to hotels. It's a useful term to know when discussing consumer goods or experiences in Japan, as quality and prestige are often highly valued.
Teste-toi 24 questions
Write a short sentence describing something that is high-class or luxurious in Japanese. Try to use "高級な" (kōkyū na).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
これは高級な車です。(Kore wa kōkyū na kuruma desu.) - This is a high-class car.
Imagine you are in a restaurant. Write a simple Japanese sentence describing a luxurious dish using "高級な".
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
高級な寿司を食べたいです。(Kōkyū na sushi o tabetai desu.) - I want to eat high-class sushi.
You are shopping for a present. Write a short Japanese sentence about a luxurious gift using "高級な" and a simple noun.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
これは高級なプレゼントです。(Kore wa kōkyū na purezento desu.) - This is a luxurious present.
このホテルについて、何がわかりますか？ (What do you know about this hotel?)
Read this passage:
これは高級なホテルです。とてもきれいです。部屋も広いです。
このホテルについて、何がわかりますか？ (What do you know about this hotel?)
The passage states "これは高級なホテルです。" (Kore wa kōkyū na hoteru desu.), meaning 'This is a high-class hotel.'
The passage states "これは高級なホテルです。" (Kore wa kōkyū na hoteru desu.), meaning 'This is a high-class hotel.'
彼らはどんなレストランに行きましたか？ (What kind of restaurant did they go to?)
Read this passage:
彼らは高級なレストランに行きました。美味しい料理がたくさんありました。
彼らはどんなレストランに行きましたか？ (What kind of restaurant did they go to?)
The passage says "彼らは高級なレストランに行きました。" (Karera wa kōkyū na resutoran ni ikimashita.), meaning 'They went to a high-class restaurant.'
The passage says "彼らは高級なレストランに行きました。" (Karera wa kōkyū na resutoran ni ikimashita.), meaning 'They went to a high-class restaurant.'
何が欲しいですか？ (What do they want?)
Read this passage:
私は高級な時計が欲しいです。でも、とても高いです。
何が欲しいですか？ (What do they want?)
The passage states "私は高級な時計が欲しいです。" (Watashi wa kōkyū na tokei ga hoshii desu.), meaning 'I want a high-class watch.'
The passage states "私は高級な時計が欲しいです。" (Watashi wa kōkyū na tokei ga hoshii desu.), meaning 'I want a high-class watch.'
このレストランはとても___で、いつも予約でいっぱいです。
「高級」は「ハイクラスな」という意味です。文脈から「このレストランはとてもハイクラスで、いつも予約でいっぱいです。」となります。
彼女はいつも___な服を着ています。
「高級な」は「ハイクラスな」という意味です。文脈から「彼女はいつもハイクラスな服を着ています。」となります。
デパートの最上階には___なブランド店がたくさんあります。
「高級な」は「ハイクラスな」という意味です。文脈から「デパートの最上階にはハイクラスなブランド店がたくさんあります。」となります。
このホテルはサービスも部屋もとても___です。
「高級」は「ハイクラスな」という意味です。文脈から「このホテルはサービスも部屋もとてもハイクラスです。」となります。
彼は___な時計をしていますね。
「高級な」は「ハイクラスな」という意味です。文脈から「彼はハイクラスな時計をしていますね。」となります。
___な車に乗ってみたいです。
「高級な」は「ハイクラスな」という意味です。文脈から「ハイクラスな車に乗ってみたいです。」となります。
This is a high-class restaurant.
She always wears luxurious clothes.
This hotel is very luxurious, so the accommodation fee is expensive.
Read this aloud:
このカバンは高級ですが、質が良いです。
Focus: こうきゅうな (kōkyūna)
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
高級な車に乗りたいです。
Focus: のりたい (noritai)
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
彼はいつも高級なワインを飲みます。
Focus: ワイン (wain)
Tu as dit :
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Imagine you are describing your ideal luxury car to a friend. Write a few sentences in Japanese describing its features, using 「高級な」 at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私の理想の車は、とても高級なセダンです。内装は革張りで、最新の技術が詰まっています。乗り心地も最高で、長距離運転も疲れません。
You are writing a review for a high-end restaurant you recently visited. Describe the atmosphere and quality of the food, incorporating 「高級な」 in your description. Write a few sentences in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
先日、とても高級なレストランに行きました。雰囲気はとても上品で、料理も見た目も味も素晴らしかったです。特別な日にぴったりのお店です。
Your friend is asking for advice on buying a gift for a very important client. You recommend something luxurious. Write a few sentences in Japanese suggesting a 「高級な」 gift.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
大切なクライアントへの贈り物なら、高級なペンや時計が良いと思います。きっと喜んでくれるはずです。長く使えるものを選ぶと良いでしょう。
この人はどんなホテルに泊まりましたか？
Read this passage:
先日、都心に新しくできた高級なホテルに泊まりました。部屋は広くて、窓からは素晴らしい夜景が見えました。サービスも一流で、とても快適な滞在でした。朝食も地元の食材を使った高級な料理で、大変満足しました。
この人はどんなホテルに泊まりましたか？
文章の冒頭で「都心に新しくできた高級なホテルに泊まりました」と明記されています。
文章の冒頭で「都心に新しくできた高級なホテルに泊まりました」と明記されています。
この女性はどのような服を着ていますか？
Read this passage:
彼女はいつも高級なブランドの服を着ています。彼女の家には、高級な家具がたくさんあります。彼女は、贅沢な生活を送っているように見えます。しかし、彼女はとても努力家で、自分の力で今の生活を築き上げました。
この女性はどのような服を着ていますか？
文章の冒頭で「彼女はいつも高級なブランドの服を着ています」と述べられています。
文章の冒頭で「彼女はいつも高級なブランドの服を着ています」と述べられています。
彼が買った時計はどのような時計でしたか？
Read this passage:
彼は定年退職後、長年の夢だった高級な時計を買いました。その時計は、職人の手によって丁寧に作られたもので、世界に一つしかない特別なものでした。彼は毎日その時計を眺めては、満足そうに微笑んでいました。
彼が買った時計はどのような時計でしたか？
文章中に「その時計は、職人の手によって丁寧に作られたもので、世界に一つしかない特別なものでした」と書かれています。
文章中に「その時計は、職人の手によって丁寧に作られたもので、世界に一つしかない特別なものでした」と書かれています。
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Exemple
誕生日のお祝いに高級なレストランに行った。
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Plus de mots sur food
少々
B1A little; a few.
〜ほど
B1About; approximately; degree.
~ほど
B1About, approximately; to the extent of ~.
豊富な
B1Abundant, rich in.
ふんだんに
B1Lavishly; abundantly; generously (e.g., using ingredients).
足す
B1To add (e.g., to a sum, to ingredients).
添加物
B1Additive.
〜てから
B1After doing ~.
~てから
B1After doing (an action).
熟成させる
B1To age; to mature (food).
