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B1 noun #4,500 가장 일반적인 11분 분량

高層

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 高層 30초 만에
설명 高層 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '高層' (kousou) often, but you will see it in cities like Tokyo. Think of it as a special word for 'very tall buildings'. Usually, at this level, you use the simple word '高い' (takai), which means 'tall' or 'high'. For example, 'Kono biru wa takai desu' (This building is tall). However, if you see a sign that says '高層ビル' (kousou biru), just remember it means 'High-rise building'. You can imagine the '高' (kou) as the same 'kou' in 'koukou' (high school). It's a way to describe the big city. If you are a tourist, you might go to a 'kousou biru' to see the view. You don't need to worry about the grammar yet; just recognize that when 'kou' and 'sou' are together, they are talking about those massive buildings with many floors. It's a 'level up' from just saying 'tall'. Try to notice it on maps or when you are walking near big stations. It's a very 'city' word. Even if you can't say it perfectly, knowing that 'sou' means 'layer' or 'floor' will help you understand that these buildings are made of many layers stacked high into the sky. In your first Japanese lessons, you learn 'kore' (this) and 'sore' (that). You can point and say 'Kousou biru!' to show you know a more advanced word for skyscraper. It’s a great way to impress your Japanese friends early on. Just remember: buildings only! Don't use it for your tall friends or tall trees. For those, stick to 'takai'.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to describe your environment in more detail. You might talk about where you live or where you want to go on vacation. The word '高層' (kousou) is useful here because it helps you distinguish between a small house and a large apartment building. In Japan, many people live in '高層マンション' (kousou manshon - high-rise apartments). You can use this word when talking about your dream home or describing a city you visited. For example, 'Tokyo ni wa kousou biru ga takusan arimasu' (There are many high-rise buildings in Tokyo). You are also learning how to use nouns to modify other nouns using 'no'. So, you might say 'Kousou no biru' or just 'Kousou biru'. At this level, you should also be aware of the opposite: '低層' (teisou), which means 'low-rise'. If you are looking for an apartment, you might see these words in the descriptions. 'Kousou-kai' means 'high floors'. If you like a good view, you can say 'Kousou-kai ni sumitai desu' (I want to live on a high floor). This word helps you move beyond basic adjectives like 'takai' and start using more specific vocabulary that Japanese people use in their daily lives. It's a very practical word for anyone living in or visiting a Japanese metropolis. You might also hear it in weather reports, though you don't need to understand the technical details yet. Just knowing that it refers to things that are high up and layered is enough for A2. It's about expanding your 'city vocabulary' so you can navigate urban spaces more confidently.
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As a B1 learner, you are expected to handle more complex topics like urban living, social trends, and basic technical descriptions. '高層' (kousou) is a key word for this level. You should be able to use it to discuss the pros and cons of living in a 'Tower Mansion' (タワーマンション). For example, you might discuss how 'kousou' buildings offer great views but can be scary during an earthquake. You will also encounter this word in more formal settings, like news articles or announcements. You should understand that '高層' is a noun and often functions as a prefix. You'll see it in terms like '高層建築' (kousou kenchiku - high-rise architecture) and '高層化' (kousou-ka - verticalization). At B1, you can start comparing words. For instance, you know 'takai' is general, but 'kousou' is specific to layered structures. You might also learn '摩天楼' (matenrou) for 'skyscraper' in a literary sense, but you'll use 'kousou biru' for daily life. Understanding the nuance of the kanji '層' (layer) is important here. It helps you understand why the word is used for the atmosphere ('kousou kishou') as well as buildings. You should be comfortable using 'kousou' in a sentence like 'Kono machi wa kousou-ka ga susunde imasu' (This town is becoming more high-rise). This shows you can talk about urban development trends. You are also likely to encounter the word in the context of 'kousou-kai' (high floors) vs 'teisou-kai' (low floors) when booking hotels or looking at floor plans. This level is about precision—using 'kousou' instead of just 'takai' shows that you have reached a more intermediate, professional level of Japanese.
At the B2 level, you should be using '高層' (kousou) in professional, academic, or specialized discussions. You can talk about the structural engineering of '高層建築' (high-rise architecture) and the '耐震構造' (earthquake-resistant structures) that make them possible in Japan. You might discuss the 'ヒートアイランド現象' (urban heat island effect) and how the density of '高層ビル' contributes to it. This word becomes a tool for analyzing urban sociology and environmental science. You should be familiar with related terms like '超高層' (super high-rise) and '中高層' (mid-to-high-rise) and know the legal or practical distinctions between them. For instance, you might read a report about '高層建築物等における火災対策' (fire safety measures in high-rise buildings). Your vocabulary should also include the meteorological usage, such as '高層天気図' (upper-air weather map), which is used by pilots and meteorologists. At B2, you are expected to understand the social implications of 'kousou' living, such as the 'kousou nanmin' (high-rise refugees) who might be stranded during a disaster. You can express complex opinions on whether 'kousou-ka' is good for a city's character or if it creates social isolation. Your grammar should be flawless when using this word as a compound, and you should be able to recognize it in fast-paced news broadcasts or formal speeches. This level is about integration—connecting the word 'kousou' to broader themes of technology, society, and the environment. You are no longer just describing a tall building; you are discussing the vertical dimension of modern civilization.
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For C1 learners, '高層' (kousou) is a versatile term used in nuanced academic and literary contexts. You should be able to appreciate the subtle difference between 'kousou biru' and 'matenrou' in a literary essay, understanding how 'matenrou' evokes a sense of wonder while 'kousou' remains grounded in technical reality. You might explore the '高層気象' (upper atmosphere) in depth, discussing the impact of 'kousou kiryuu' (upper-air currents) on global climate change. In urban planning, you could lead a discussion on the '高層化' of residential areas and its impact on '日照権' (sunlight rights) and the psychological well-being of residents. You should be able to use the word in abstract or metaphorical ways if necessary, though its primary use remains physical. You'll encounter the word in high-level legal documents regarding '高層建築物' and zoning laws. At this level, you should also be aware of the historical evolution of the word and how the concept of 'kousou' has changed as Japanese engineering pushed the limits of height in a seismic zone. You can synthesize information from various fields—architecture, meteorology, sociology—all linked by this single concept of 'layered height'. Your ability to use 'kousou' correctly in a high-stakes professional environment, such as a construction bid or a scientific presentation, is a hallmark of the C1 level. You understand not just the word, but the entire ecosystem of terms and concepts that surround it, from 'seisoku' (vibration control) to 'chuukousou' (mid-to-high rise) regulations. It is a word that represents the peak of urban achievement and the complexities that come with it.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of '高層' (kousou) is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can engage in deep philosophical or sociological critiques of '高層社会' (high-rise society), discussing the stratification of classes represented by the floors of a 'tower mansion'. You might analyze the '高層気象' data with the precision of a specialist, or debate the merits of '超高層' structures in the context of sustainable urbanism and 'compact cities'. You understand the historical weight of the word, from the first 'kousou' structures in the Meiji era to the modern 'chou-kousou' giants of Shinjuku. You can use the word in complex, multi-clause sentences with perfect naturalness, perhaps in a speech about the future of Japanese skylines. You are also sensitive to the cultural nuances, such as the status symbol of the 'kousou-kai' and the specific anxieties associated with 'kousou' living in a disaster-prone country. You might write an article or a thesis where '高層' is used as a central theme to discuss the tension between human ambition and the constraints of nature. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a concept that you can manipulate and explore from every possible angle—technical, social, aesthetic, and historical. You can navigate the most dense technical manuals on '高層建築技術' as easily as you can read a poem that uses 'kousou' to describe the distant, cold layers of the winter sky. Your command of the word is absolute, allowing you to use it with authority in any context imaginable.
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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

高層 30초 만에

  • 高層 (kousou) means high-rise or multi-layered, used for tall buildings and atmospheric layers.
  • It is a formal noun, often used as a prefix or with the particle 'no'.
  • Commonly paired with 'biru' (building), 'manshon' (apartment), and 'kai' (floor).
  • Distinguished from 'takai' (tall) which is a general adjective for all tall things.

The Japanese word 高層 (こうそう - kousou) is a sophisticated noun that translates to "high-rise" or "multi-storied" in English. At its core, it is composed of two kanji: 高 meaning "high" or "tall," and 層 meaning "layer," "stratum," or "story." When combined, they literally describe something that has many layers reaching upward. In modern Japan, this word is most frequently encountered in the context of urban architecture, specifically referring to skyscrapers and tall apartment complexes. However, its utility extends beyond just buildings, reaching into the fields of meteorology and sociology. Understanding this word is essential for anyone navigating Japanese cities, as it distinguishes standard buildings from the massive structures that define the skylines of Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

Architectural Context
In the realm of construction, 高層 is used to categorize buildings that exceed a certain height. While the legal definition can vary, it generally refers to buildings over 31 meters or roughly 10 stories. When a building is exceptionally tall, the prefix 'chou' (超) is added to create 超高層 (chou-kousou), meaning 'super high-rise' or 'skyscraper'.

東京の新宿には多くの高層ビルが立ち並んでいます。(In Shinjuku, Tokyo, many high-rise buildings are lined up.)

Beyond the physical height, the term carries a nuance of modernity and urban density. Living in a 高層マンション (kousou manshon), or high-rise apartment, is often associated with a specific lifestyle in Japan—one of convenience, luxury, and breathtaking views of the city. These buildings are often equipped with advanced earthquake-resistant technology, which is a crucial point of discussion in Japanese society. People use this word when discussing urban development, real estate, and even weather patterns, such as 高層気象 (kousou kishou), which refers to upper-atmosphere weather conditions.

Meteorological Context
In science, 層 refers to layers of the atmosphere. 高層 indicates the higher levels of the sky, where jet streams and specific cloud formations occur. This usage is more technical but demonstrates the word's versatility.

この高層階からの眺めは素晴らしいです。(The view from this high-rise floor is wonderful.)

In daily conversation, you might hear people talk about 'Tower Mansions' (タワーマンション), which are the quintessential examples of 高層 architecture in residential areas. These buildings have become symbols of status and are often located near major transit hubs. The word is formal but very common in news reports, real estate advertisements, and urban planning discussions. It is rarely used for natural features like mountains; for those, we use words like 'takai' (high) or 'kouzan' (high mountain). 高層 is strictly for layered structures, usually man-made or atmospheric.

Social Context
The term is often linked to the 'urban heat island' effect (ヒートアイランド現象), where the density of high-rise buildings traps heat in cities. Discussions about city airflow and sunlight rights (日照権) frequently utilize the word 高層.

将来は高層住宅に住みたいです。(I want to live in high-rise housing in the future.)

最新の高層ビルは地震に強い構造になっています。(The latest high-rise buildings have structures that are resistant to earthquakes.)

Using 高層 (こうそう) correctly requires understanding its role as a prefix or a noun that modifies other nouns using the particle の (no). It is rarely used in isolation as a simple adjective like 'tall'. Instead, it functions as a descriptor for categories of structures or layers. For instance, you don't usually say 'This building is kousou'; you say 'This is a kousou building' (これは高層ビルです). This distinction is vital for sounding natural in Japanese. Below, we explore the grammatical patterns and common pairings that define its usage in various contexts, from casual dreams of city living to professional architectural reports.

Noun + の + Noun Pattern
The most common way to use 高層 is by attaching it to another noun. Examples include 高層ビル (kousou biru - high-rise building), 高層マンション (kousou manshon - high-rise apartment), and 高層建築 (kousou kenchiku - high-rise architecture). In these cases, it acts as a specific classification.

彼は高層マンションの最上階に住んでいる。(He lives on the top floor of a high-rise apartment.)

Another frequent usage is referring to specific floors within a building. 高層階 (kousou-kai) refers to the 'high-rise floors' or upper levels. This is commonly used in hotels and office buildings when discussing elevator access or room types. If you are staying at a hotel, the receptionist might ask if you prefer a 'kousou-kai' room for a better view. Conversely, the lower floors are called 低層階 (teisou-kai). This contrast is a great way to remember the meaning of 層 as 'layer' or 'floor'.

Technical and Scientific Usage
In weather reports or scientific papers, you will see 高層気流 (kousou kiryuu - upper-air current) or 高層湿分 (kousou shippun - upper-level humidity). Here, the word describes physical layers of the earth's atmosphere rather than man-made floors.

その都市は高層化が進んでいる。(The city is undergoing increasing high-rise development.)

The suffix 〜化 (-ka) can be added to create 高層化 (kousou-ka), which means 'becoming high-rise' or 'verticalization'. This is used to describe urban trends where buildings are being replaced by taller structures to save space. For example, 'The verticalization of the city center is accelerating' would be 'Toshin no kousou-ka ga kasoku shite iru'. This demonstrates how the word can evolve from a simple descriptor to a concept of urban evolution. Whether you are describing a single building or a whole city's transformation, 高層 provides the necessary linguistic tool to discuss height and layering in a professional and precise manner.

Comparative Usage
When comparing structures, you might use 超高層 (chou-kousou) for the tallest skyscrapers like Tokyo Skytree or the Abeno Harukas. Use 中高層 (chuu-kousou) for mid-to-high-rise buildings, typically 5 to 10 stories tall.

このエリアには高層建築物の建設制限があります。(There are construction restrictions on high-rise buildings in this area.)

If you visit Japan, you will encounter the word 高層 (こうそう) in several specific environments. The most immediate place is at train stations and in the business districts. Major hubs like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Umeda are famous for their 'Kousou Biru-gai' (high-rise building districts). On maps and signage, you will see this word used to direct people toward observation decks or specific office towers. Real estate offices are another prime location; their windows are often plastered with advertisements for 'Kousou Manshon', touting the benefits of living high above the noise of the streets. Hearing this word often triggers thoughts of luxury, modern engineering, and the dense, vertical nature of Japanese urban life.

In the News and Media
News broadcasts frequently use 高層 when reporting on urban development, earthquake safety, or weather. A typical weather report might mention 'kousou kishou kansoku' (upper-air meteorological observation) using weather balloons. Economic news might discuss the 'kousou biru kensetsu rasshu' (high-rise building construction rush) as an indicator of economic health.

ニュースで新しい高層ビルの計画が発表された。(Plans for a new high-rise building were announced on the news.)

In popular culture, particularly in anime and movies set in futuristic Tokyo (like *Akira* or *Ghost in the Shell*), the word 高層 appears in descriptions of the sprawling, vertical megacities. It evokes a sense of the 'cyberpunk' aesthetic where the divide between the high-rise dwellers and the street-level inhabitants is a central theme. In literature, authors might use the term to describe the cold, glass-and-steel atmosphere of a corporate setting. When you hear a character say they work in a 'kousou biru', it immediately establishes their social standing or the type of high-pressure environment they inhabit.

Travel and Tourism
Tourist guides for Tokyo often highlight 'Kousou-kai Resutoran' (high-floor restaurants) where visitors can enjoy a meal with a view of Mount Fuji or the Tokyo Tower. The word is a marketing tool used to sell the 'premium' experience of height.

観光客は高層ビルの展望台に集まります。(Tourists gather at the observation decks of high-rise buildings.)

Furthermore, in the context of the 'Tower Mansion' phenomenon, you'll hear the term 高層難民 (kousou nanmin), literally 'high-rise refugees'. This social term refers to people living on very high floors who become stranded during power outages or elevator failures after an earthquake. This highlights the darker, more practical side of the word that appears in social commentary and disaster preparedness drills. Whether it's the glitz of a penthouse or the reality of urban planning, 高層 is a word that sits at the intersection of Japanese technology and lifestyle.

While 高層 (こうそう) seems straightforward, English speakers often make mistakes by treating it like the English adjective 'high' or by using it in contexts where other words for 'tall' are more appropriate. One of the most common errors is using 高層 to describe people, trees, or mountains. In Japanese, physical height of living things or natural landforms is expressed with 高い (takai). You would never say 'kousou na hito' for a tall person; that would sound like the person is made of multiple stories! Understanding the 'layered' nature of the kanji 層 (sou) is the key to avoiding these categorical mistakes.

Mistake 1: Using it for Natural Objects
Incorrect: 高層な木 (Kousou na ki). Correct: 高い木 (Takai ki). 高層 is specifically for structures or systems with distinct levels or strata.

× 富士山はとても高層です。(Mt. Fuji is very high-rise.)
○ 富士山はとても高いです。(Mt. Fuji is very tall.)

Another mistake involves the grammar of how the word is linked. Since 高層 is a noun, it cannot be used as a 'na-adjective' (高層な) or an 'i-adjective' (高層い). It must be linked with の (no) or combined directly into a compound word. Beginners often try to say 'Kousou na biru', but the correct form is 高層ビル (Kousou biru) or occasionally 高層のビル (Kousou no biru). Using 'na' makes the sentence sound unnatural and grammatically incorrect to a native speaker's ears.

Mistake 2: Grammatical Particle Errors
Avoid saying 'Kousou na'. Instead, treat it as a classification. Think of it like the English word 'High-rise'—you don't say 'The building is high-risely', you say 'It is a high-rise building'.

× この建物は高層だ。(This building is high-rise.)
○ これは高層ビルだ。(This is a high-rise building.)

Lastly, learners sometimes confuse 高層 (kousou) with 高速 (kousoku). High-speed (高速) and High-rise (高層) sound very similar. You might accidentally say 'kousoku biru' (high-speed building) when you mean 'kousou biru'. This is a common phonological slip. Always remember that the 'sou' comes from 'layer' (層), like a layer cake, while 'soku' comes from 'speed' (速). Keeping the visual of the kanji in mind—the 'building' radical in 層 vs. the 'road' radical in 速—will help you keep these two very common 'kou-' words distinct in your mind.

Mistake 3: Confusing with High-Speed
Be careful with the 's' sound. Kousou (high-rise) vs. Kousoku (high-speed). They are both CEFR B1/B2 level words and are used frequently in urban contexts (high-rise buildings vs. high-speed highways).

To truly master 高層 (こうそう), it is helpful to compare it with other Japanese words that describe height or buildings. While 高層 is the standard term for high-rise, several alternatives exist depending on the nuance you want to convey. For example, if you are looking for a more poetic or dramatic word for a skyscraper, you might use 摩天楼 (matenrou). This word literally means 'heaven-scraping tower' and is the direct equivalent of the English 'skyscraper'. It is used more in literature or to describe the iconic skylines of cities like New York or Chicago, whereas 高層 is the practical, everyday term used in Japan.

高層 (Kousou) vs. 摩天楼 (Matenrou)
高層: Technical, common, used for any building with many floors.
摩天楼: Poetic, grand, used for famous skyscrapers and impressive cityscapes.

ニューヨークの摩天楼は世界的に有名です。(New York's skyscrapers are world-famous.)

Another important distinction is between 高層 (kousou) and 高い (takai). As mentioned in the mistakes section, 'takai' is a general adjective for height. Use 'takai' when you are making a simple observation about height ('That building is tall'). Use 'kousou' when you are classifying the building's type ('That is a high-rise building'). Additionally, there is 超高層 (chou-kousou). The prefix 'chou' (super/ultra) is used for buildings that are significantly taller than average high-rises, usually those over 100 meters or 200 meters tall. In a city like Tokyo, many buildings are 'kousou', but only the giants like the Mori Tower or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building are 'chou-kousou'.

Height Classifications
低層 (Teisou): Low-rise (1-3 floors).
中層 (Chuusou): Mid-rise (4-9 floors).
高層 (Kousou): High-rise (10+ floors).
超高層 (Chou-kousou): Super high-rise (Skyscrapers).

この地域は低層住宅地として指定されています。(This area is designated as a low-rise residential district.)

Lastly, consider the word 高台 (takadai). While 'kousou' refers to the height of a structure, 'takadai' refers to 'high ground' or an 'elevation'. If a house is built on a hill, it is on a 'takadai', even if the house itself is only one story. Confusing these two can lead to misunderstandings about whether you are talking about the building's height or its location's altitude. By learning these related terms, you can describe any urban or geographical setting with precision, choosing the word that perfectly fits the 'height' you are trying to describe.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The kanji 層 (sou) originally referred to the layers of a thatched roof or a multi-story house in ancient China.

발음 가이드

UK kəʊ.səʊ
US koʊ.soʊ
Flat (Heiban) pitch accent in Japanese, meaning the pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable.
라임이 맞는 단어
Housou (Broadcast) Kousou (Structure/Plan - different kanji) Tousou (Flight/Escape) Sousou (Early) Kousou (Conflict - different kanji) Chousou (Morning sun) Kousou (Filial piety) Rousou (Old age)
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing it as 'koso' (short 'o' sounds).
  • Confusing it with 'kousoku' (high speed).
  • Adding a 'u' sound like 'cow-sow'.
  • Putting too much stress on the second syllable.
  • Failing to elongate the vowels correctly.

난이도

독해 3/5

Kanji are common but require intermediate knowledge (N3 level).

쓰기 4/5

層 is a complex kanji to write by hand.

말하기 2/5

Pronunciation is simple if you remember the long vowels.

듣기 3/5

Can be confused with 'kousoku' (high speed).

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

高い (High) ビル (Building) 建物 (Building) マンション (Apartment) 階 (Floor)

다음에 배울 것

超高層 (Super high-rise) 建築 (Architecture) 耐震 (Earthquake resistant) 展望台 (Observation deck) 都市 (City)

고급

摩天楼 (Skyscraper) 容積率 (Floor-area ratio) 日照権 (Sunlight rights) 対流圏 (Troposphere) 成層圏 (Stratosphere)

알아야 할 문법

Noun + の + Noun

高層の建物 (A high-rise building)

Suffix 〜化 (-ka)

高層化する (To become high-rise)

Compound Nouns

高層ビル (High-rise building)

Noun as Prefix

高層階 (High floors)

Opposites with 'Tei' (Low)

低層ビル (Low-rise building)

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수준별 예문

1

これは高層ビルです。

This is a high-rise building.

Simple A is B sentence using the noun 'kousou biru'.

2

高層ビルは高いです。

High-rise buildings are tall.

Using 'kousou' as a prefix to a noun.

3

東京には高層ビルがたくさんあります。

There are many high-rise buildings in Tokyo.

Using 'arimasu' to show existence.

4

あの高層ビルに行きましょう。

Let's go to that high-rise building.

Using the 'ikimashou' (let's go) form.

5

高層ビルの上はきれいです。

The top of the high-rise building is beautiful.

Using the particle 'no' to show location.

6

きれいな高層ビルですね。

It's a beautiful high-rise building, isn't it?

Using 'ne' for agreement.

7

高層ビルを見ます。

I look at the high-rise building.

Simple subject-object-verb structure.

8

ここは高層ビルが多いです。

There are many high-rise buildings here.

Using 'ooi' (many) to describe the area.

1

将来、高層マンションに住みたいです。

In the future, I want to live in a high-rise apartment.

Using 'tai' to express desire.

2

ホテルの高層階に泊まりました。

I stayed on a high floor of the hotel.

Using 'kousou-kai' to specify the floor level.

3

新宿には有名な高層ビルがあります。

There are famous high-rise buildings in Shinjuku.

Using an adjective 'yuumei' to describe the building.

4

高層ビルから富士山が見えました。

I could see Mt. Fuji from the high-rise building.

Using the potential form 'miemashita'.

5

この街は高層ビルが増えています。

High-rise buildings are increasing in this town.

Using 'fuete imasu' to show an ongoing change.

6

高層ビルのエレベーターは速いです。

The elevators in high-rise buildings are fast.

Possessive 'no' linking three nouns.

7

高層マンションの眺めは最高です。

The view from a high-rise apartment is the best.

Using 'saikou' for emphasis.

8

あの高い建物は、高層オフィスビルです。

That tall building is a high-rise office building.

Combining 'kousou' with 'office biru'.

1

都市部では住宅の高層化が進んでいます。

In urban areas, the verticalization of housing is progressing.

Using the suffix '-ka' to mean 'becoming'.

2

高層ビルが立ち並ぶ景色は都会らしいです。

The scenery where high-rise buildings are lined up is very city-like.

Using '-rashii' to indicate typical characteristics.

3

地震の時、高層階は大きく揺れます。

During an earthquake, high floors shake significantly.

Using 'no toki' to indicate a specific situation.

4

高層建築には特別な技術が必要です。

Special technology is required for high-rise architecture.

Using 'hitsuyou' to express necessity.

5

彼は高層ビルの設計を担当しています。

He is in charge of designing high-rise buildings.

Using 'tantou shite iru' for responsibility.

6

このエリアには高層ビルの建設予定があります。

There is a plan to construct a high-rise building in this area.

Using 'yotei' to talk about plans.

7

高層マンションは防犯面で安心だと言われています。

It is said that high-rise apartments are secure in terms of crime prevention.

Using 'to iwarete iru' for general beliefs.

8

最近は地方都市でも高層ビルが見られます。

Recently, high-rise buildings can be seen even in regional cities.

Using the passive/potential 'miraremasu'.

1

超高層ビルの展望台から街を一望した。

I took in the whole city from the observation deck of a super high-rise building.

Using 'ichibou suru' for a panoramic view.

2

高層気象観測によって、台風の進路を予測する。

The path of the typhoon is predicted through upper-air meteorological observations.

Technical usage of 'kousou' in meteorology.

3

都市の過密化を防ぐために高層化が推進された。

Verticalization was promoted to prevent urban overcrowding.

Using 'suishin sareru' for being promoted/pushed forward.

4

高層ビル群が夕日に照らされて黄金色に輝いている。

The group of high-rise buildings is glowing golden, lit by the setting sun.

Using 'terasareru' (passive) for being lit up.

5

最新の制振技術が高層建築に導入されている。

The latest vibration control technology is being introduced into high-rise architecture.

Using 'dounyuu sareru' for introduction of technology.

6

高層階の住民は、災害時のエレベーター停止を懸念している。

Residents on high floors are concerned about elevators stopping during a disaster.

Using 'kenen shite iru' for formal worry/concern.

7

この建物は、中高層の集合住宅として設計された。

This building was designed as a mid-to-high-rise housing complex.

Using 'chuukousou' for specific classification.

8

高層ビルの建設が、周辺の日照権問題を引き起こした。

The construction of the high-rise building caused sunlight rights issues in the surrounding area.

Using 'hikioikosu' for causing a problem.

1

高層大気におけるオゾン層の破壊が深刻な問題となっている。

The destruction of the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere has become a serious problem.

Technical usage in environmental science.

2

都市計画において、高層化と緑地の確保をいかに両立させるかが鍵となる。

In urban planning, the key is how to balance verticalization with the securing of green spaces.

Using 'ikani... ka ga kagi' (how... is the key).

3

高層ビルの林立が、都心の風通しを悪くし、ヒートアイランド現象を助長している。

The clustering of high-rise buildings worsens airflow in the city center and promotes the heat island effect.

Using 'rinritsu' (standing like a forest) and 'jojo' (promoting/exacerbating).

4

その建築家は、高層建築の美学を追求し続けている。

That architect continues to pursue the aesthetics of high-rise architecture.

Using 'tsuikyuu suru' for pursuing an ideal.

5

高層マンションの乱立により、かつての景観が損なわれてしまった。

The haphazard construction of high-rise apartments has spoiled the former landscape.

Using 'ranritsu' (disordered clustering) and 'sokonawareru' (damaged).

6

高層気流の乱れが、航空機の運航に支障をきたすことがある。

Disturbances in upper-air currents can sometimes interfere with aircraft operations.

Using 'shishou o kitasu' (to cause a hindrance).

7

法改正により、高層建築物の容積率制限が緩和された。

Due to the legal revision, the floor-area ratio restrictions for high-rise buildings were relaxed.

Using 'kanwa sareru' for relaxation of rules.

8

高層階での生活が子供の発達に与える影響について、様々な議論がある。

There are various debates about the impact that living on high floors has on children's development.

Using 'ataeru eikyou' (impact/influence given).

1

垂直方向に伸長する高層都市の在り方は、現代文明の象徴とも言える。

The nature of the high-rise city, extending vertically, can be said to be a symbol of modern civilization.

Philosophical usage of 'arigata' (the way things should be/are).

2

高層ビルが織りなすスカイラインは、その都市の経済的活力を如実に物語っている。

The skyline woven by high-rise buildings vividly tells the story of that city's economic vitality.

Using 'orinasu' (weave) and 'nyojitsu ni monogataru' (vividly tell).

3

高層階の静寂と下界の喧騒との対比が、都市生活の孤独を際立たせる。

The contrast between the silence of the high floors and the bustle of the world below highlights the loneliness of urban life.

Using 'kiwatataseru' (to make stand out/highlight).

4

超高層建築の極限に挑む技術者たちの情熱が、新たな地平を切り拓いてきた。

The passion of engineers challenging the limits of super high-rise construction has opened up new horizons.

Using 'kyokugen ni idomu' (challenge the limits).

5

高層化に伴う都市の深層心理的な変容を、社会学的な観点から考察する。

We will consider the deep psychological transformation of cities accompanying verticalization from a sociological perspective.

Using 'tomonau' (accompanying) and 'kousatsu suru' (consider/analyze).

6

高層気象観測の精度向上は、地球規模の気候変動予測において不可欠な要素である。

Improving the accuracy of upper-air meteorological observations is an indispensable element in global climate change prediction.

Using 'fukaketsu' (indispensable).

7

バブル経済期に乱立した高層ビル群が、今や都市のアイデンティティの一部となっている。

The clusters of high-rise buildings that popped up during the bubble economy have now become part of the city's identity.

Historical context using 'identity'.

8

高層建築物が形成する「垂直の壁」が、局地的な気象変化を引き起こす可能性が指摘されている。

It has been pointed out that the 'vertical walls' formed by high-rise buildings may cause localized weather changes.

Using 'shiteki sarete iru' (it has been pointed out).

자주 쓰는 조합

高層ビル
高層マンション
高層階
高層気象
高層化
超高層
高層建築物
高層湿分
高層ビル街
高層難民

자주 쓰는 구문

高層ビルの展望台

— The observation deck of a high-rise building.

高層ビルの展望台から夜景を見る。

高層階からの眺め

— The view from a high floor.

高層階からの眺めは抜群だ。

住宅の高層化

— The trend of housing becoming high-rise.

都心では住宅の高層化が顕著だ。

高層マンションの最上階

— The top floor of a high-rise apartment.

最上階に住むのが夢だ。

高層気流の乱れ

— Turbulence in upper-air currents.

高層気流の乱れで飛行機が揺れた。

高層建築の技術

— High-rise construction technology.

日本の高層建築の技術は世界一だ。

高層ビルに囲まれる

— To be surrounded by high-rise buildings.

公園が高層ビルに囲まれている。

高層階専用エレベーター

— An elevator exclusively for high floors.

高層階専用エレベーターに乗る。

高層住宅地

— A high-rise residential area.

ここは新しい高層住宅地だ。

高層天気図

— An upper-air weather map.

気象予報士が高層天気図を分析する。

자주 혼동되는 단어

高層 vs 高速 (Kousoku)

Means 'high speed'. Sounds very similar to 'kousou'.

高層 vs 構想 (Kousou)

Means 'plan' or 'concept'. Identical pronunciation, different kanji.

高層 vs 抗争 (Kousou)

Means 'conflict' or 'dispute'. Identical pronunciation, different kanji.

관용어 및 표현

"高層ビルが林立する"

— High-rise buildings standing like a forest.

都心には高層ビルが林立している。

Descriptive
"高層階の住人"

— High-floor resident (often implies wealth).

彼は典型的な高層階の住人だ。

Social
"高層難民"

— People stranded in high-rises during disasters.

地震後の高層難民が問題になった。

Modern/Social
"雲を突くような高層ビル"

— A high-rise building that seems to pierce the clouds.

雲を突くような高層ビルが建設された。

Poetic
"高層の静寂"

— The silence found high up away from street noise.

高層の静寂の中で読書を楽しむ。

Literary
"高層化の波"

— The wave (trend) of verticalization.

地方にも高層化の波が押し寄せている。

Journalistic
"高層の檻"

— A 'high-rise cage' (feeling trapped in a luxury apartment).

高層の檻に閉じ込められているようだ。

Metaphorical
"高層からの転落"

— A fall from a high-rise (often used in news).

高層からの転落事故が発生した。

Formal/News
"高層建築の粋"

— The essence/pinnacle of high-rise architecture.

このビルは高層建築の粋を集めている。

Formal
"高層の眺望"

— A high-rise view (formal term for view).

高層の眺望を売りにしているホテル。

Business

혼동하기 쉬운

高層 vs 高い (Takai)

Both mean 'high'.

Takai is a general adjective; kousou is a specific noun for layered height/structures.

高い木 (tall tree) vs 高層ビル (high-rise building).

高層 vs 高台 (Takadai)

Both relate to height.

Takadai refers to high ground or an elevated location; kousou refers to the building itself.

高台にある家 (a house on a hill).

高層 vs 摩天楼 (Matenrou)

Both mean skyscraper.

Matenrou is poetic/literary; kousou is technical/common.

ニューヨークの摩天楼 (NYC skyscrapers).

高層 vs 多層 (Tasou)

Both contain the 'layer' kanji.

Tasou means multi-layered (like a circuit); kousou specifically implies high layers.

多層基板 (multi-layer circuit board).

高層 vs 高地 (Kouchi)

Both mean high.

Kouchi refers to high altitude land or plateaus.

高地でトレーニングする (train at high altitude).

문장 패턴

A1

これは[高層ビル]です。

これは高層ビルです。

A2

[高層マンション]に住みたいです。

高層マンションに住みたいです。

B1

[高層階]は眺めがいいです。

高層階は眺めがいいです。

B1

都会は[高層ビル]が多いです。

都会は高層ビルが多いです。

B2

都市の[高層化]が進んでいる。

都市の高層化が進んでいる。

B2

[高層建築]の技術を学ぶ。

高層建築の技術を学ぶ。

C1

[高層気象]の観測が重要だ。

高層気象の観測が重要だ。

C2

[高層ビル]が林立する都会の景色。

高層ビルが林立する都会の景色。

어휘 가족

명사

高層ビル (Skyscraper)
高層マンション (High-rise apartment)
超高層 (Super high-rise)
中高層 (Mid-to-high rise)
低層 (Low-rise)

동사

高層化する (To become high-rise/verticalize)

형용사

高層の (High-rise - used as a noun modifier)

관련

建築 (Architecture)
階 (Floor)
眺望 (View)
摩天楼 (Skyscraper)
都市 (City)
무료 가입하고 모든 예문 보기

사용법

frequency

Common in urban settings and media.

자주 하는 실수
  • 高層な木 (Kousou na ki) → 高い木 (Takai ki)

    Kousou is for layered structures, not natural single-trunk objects like trees.

  • 高層なビル (Kousou na biru) → 高層ビル (Kousou biru)

    Kousou is a noun, so it doesn't take 'na'. It forms a compound noun directly.

  • 富士山は高層です (Fujisan wa kousou desu) → 富士山は高いです (Fujisan wa takai desu)

    Mountains are described as 'takai', not 'kousou'.

  • 高速マンション (Kousoku manshon) → 高層マンション (Kousou manshon)

    Kousoku means 'high speed'. You mean 'kousou' (high-rise).

  • 高層の人 (Kousou no hito) → 背が高い人 (Se ga takai hito)

    You cannot use 'kousou' to describe a person's height.

팁

Use with 'no'

Remember that 高層 is a noun. Use it as '高層の建物' or combine it directly like '高層ビル'.

Learn the levels

Learn Teisou (low), Chuusou (mid), Kousou (high), and Chou-kousou (super high) together.

Long Vowels

Both 'kou' and 'sou' are long. Practice saying 'ko-o-so-o' smoothly.

Tower Mansions

Tower mansions are a huge part of Japanese urban culture. Knowing this word helps you understand real estate and social status.

Earthquake context

In Japan, high-rises are always discussed in the context of earthquake safety (耐震).

Layer Kanji

The kanji 層 (sou) is very useful. It appears in words like 'kaisou' (layer/class) and 'ozon-sou' (ozone layer).

Watch the 's'

Distinguish between 'kousou' and 'kousoku' (speed) by listening carefully to the 'sou' vs 'soku'.

Context Clues

If you see the 'building' radical in 層, you know it's about a high-rise, not high speed.

Casual Abbreviation

Use 'Tawaman' when talking casually with friends about tall apartment buildings.

Stroke Order

Practice the stroke order of 層; it's easy to get lost in the middle part!

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'high' (高) 'soul' (層) rising up through the floors of a building. Or, imagine 'Kou' (High) and 'Sou' (Story) - a 'High Story' building.

시각적 연상

Visualize a multi-layer cake (層) that is very tall (高). Each layer is a floor of a skyscraper.

Word Web

Building Sky Floor Elevator City View Apartment Clouds

챌린지

Try to count how many 'kousou' buildings you see in a picture of Tokyo. Use the word in a sentence about your favorite city.

어원

Compound of two kanji: '高' (high) and '層' (layer/story).

원래 의미: A structure with many high layers.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

문화적 맥락

Be aware of the term 'kousou nanmin' which can be a sensitive topic regarding disaster safety.

In English, we say 'skyscraper' or 'high-rise'. 'High-rise' is the closer literal translation of 'kousou'.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (famous chou-kousou building). Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. Abeno Harukas in Osaka (tallest building in Japan).

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Real Estate

  • 高層マンション
  • 高層階の角部屋
  • 眺望良好
  • 高層化された住宅地

Travel

  • 高層ビルの展望台
  • 高層階のレストラン
  • 高層ホテル
  • 夜景が見える高層階

Weather

  • 高層気象観測
  • 高層天気図
  • 高層気流
  • 上空の気圧

Architecture

  • 高層建築物
  • 超高層ビル
  • 耐震構造
  • 高層化の技術

Urban Sociology

  • 都市の高層化
  • 高層難民
  • 日照権の問題
  • 高層階での生活

대화 시작하기

"高層ビルと一軒家、どちらに住みたいですか？ (Would you rather live in a high-rise or a house?)"

"あなたの国で一番高い高層ビルは何ですか？ (What is the tallest high-rise in your country?)"

"高層階からの景色は好きですか？ (Do you like the view from high floors?)"

"高層マンションに住むことのメリットは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think are the merits of living in a high-rise?)"

"地震の時、高層ビルにいると怖いですか？ (Is it scary to be in a high-rise during an earthquake?)"

일기 주제

もし高層マンションの最上階に住んだら、どんな毎日を過ごしますか？ (If you lived on the top floor of a high-rise, how would you spend your days?)

都市の高層化について、あなたの意見を書いてください。 (Write your opinion on the verticalization of cities.)

高層ビルから見た街の景色を描写してください。 (Describe the view of the city from a high-rise building.)

高層建築が環境に与える影響について考えてみましょう。 (Think about the impact high-rise architecture has on the environment.)

初めて高層ビルに登った時の思い出を書いてください。 (Write about your memories of the first time you climbed/went up a high-rise.)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, while buildings are the most common usage, it is also used in meteorology to describe the upper atmosphere (高層気象).

'Kousou' means high-rise (usually 10+ stories), while 'chou-kousou' means super high-rise or skyscraper (usually 100m+ in height).

No, that is incorrect. Use 'takai hito' or 'se ga takai hito' for people. 'Kousou' is for layered structures.

It is a popular term in Japan for a luxury high-rise apartment building, often called 'kousou manshon' or 'tawaman' for short.

Yes, it is more formal and technical than the simple adjective 'takai'. It is used in news, business, and architecture.

The opposite of 'kousou' (high-rise) is 'teisou' (低層), which means low-rise.

It means 'high-rise floors' or the upper levels of a building. It's common in hotels.

The 'u' indicates a long vowel sound. Without it, the word would sound different and potentially mean something else.

Usually no. For mountains, we use 'kouzan' (high mountain) or simply 'takai yama'. 'Kousou' implies man-made layers or atmospheric strata.

It refers to residents of high-rise buildings who are stranded or face difficulties during power outages or disasters.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기

셀프 테스트 180 질문

writing

Translate: 'I live in a high-rise apartment.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The view from the high floors is beautiful.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'High-rise development is progressing in Tokyo.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Kousou biru ga miemasu.' (I can see a high-rise building.)

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Describe your ideal apartment using 'kousou'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Kousou' vs 'Kousoku'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'kousou kishou'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The sky was filled with high-rise buildings.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce 'Kousou Manshon'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Which word is used for weather?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I went to the observation deck of the high-rise.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Use 'kousou' in a sentence about Tokyo.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the word: 'Kousou'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'A high-rise building is being built here.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Kousou-kai no heya'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify: 'Kousou-ka'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I prefer low-rise buildings.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask: 'Which floor is the observation deck?'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the word meaning skyscraper.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The city's verticalization is fast.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Describe a skyscraper in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Teisou' vs 'Kousou'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'He works in a high-rise office.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Talk about living high up.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for 'Kousou'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The building is very high-rise.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Kousou-ka'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for 'Kousou'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'High-rise housing is common.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Kousou-kai ni sumitai'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Kousou' or 'Kousoku'?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The city has many high-rises.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Kousou-kai'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for 'Kousou'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I like high-rises.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Kousou biru'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify 'Kousou'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'That is a high-rise.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Kousou'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Kousou'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write 'kousou' in kanji.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Kousou' clearly.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Kousou'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'High-rise'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Kousou'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Kousou'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write 'Kousou'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Biru'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Biru'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write 'Kousou'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Kousou'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Kousou'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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