Meaning
A mountain of significant height.
Cultural Background
Mountains are often called 'Sama' (e.g., Fuji-sama) to show respect, as they are seen as living deities. The 'Mountain Day' holiday was established in 2016 to celebrate Japan's mountainous landscape. Traditional 'Sansai' (mountain vegetables) are a delicacy harvested from high mountains in spring. Shugendo is a religion where practitioners (Yamabushi) undergo training in high, remote mountains.
Use it for awe
Adding 'desu ne' makes it sound like you are sharing an impression of beauty.
Not for people
Remember: 'se ga takai' for your tall friends!
Meaning
A mountain of significant height.
Use it for awe
Adding 'desu ne' makes it sound like you are sharing an impression of beauty.
Not for people
Remember: 'se ga takai' for your tall friends!
Adverbial form
Change 'takai' to 'takaku' to say 'climb high' ({高|たか}く{登|のぼ}る).
Fuji-san
Always refer to Mt. Fuji as 'Fujisan', not 'Fuji-yama' in modern Japanese.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct adjective form.
{富士山|ふじさん}はとても_____{山|やま}です。
We need the dictionary form of the i-adjective to modify the noun 'yama' in a present-tense statement.
Which sentence is correct to describe a tall person?
Choose the correct sentence:
For people's height, Japanese uses the specific phrase 'se ga takai'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {日本|にほん}には{山|やま}がありますか？ B: はい、_____がたくさんありますよ。
The context is about mountains in Japan, which are famously high.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are looking at the Himalayas.
The Himalayas are the highest mountains in the world.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Height: People vs. Mountains
Practice Bank
4 exercises{富士山|ふじさん}はとても_____{山|やま}です。
We need the dictionary form of the i-adjective to modify the noun 'yama' in a present-tense statement.
Choose the correct sentence:
For people's height, Japanese uses the specific phrase 'se ga takai'.
A: {日本|にほん}には{山|やま}がありますか？ B: はい、_____がたくさんありますよ。
The context is about mountains in Japan, which are famously high.
You are looking at the Himalayas.
The Himalayas are the highest mountains in the world.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually no. A hill is '{丘|おか}' (oka). 'Takai yama' implies a significant peak.
Yes, it is neutral and polite when followed by 'desu'.
Use '{一番|いちばん}{高|たか}い{山|やま}' (ichiban takai yama).
It can also mean 'expensive', but context usually makes it clear.
No, use '{高|たか}い{ビル|びる}' for buildings.
It is '{低|ひくい}{山|やま}' (hikui yama).
In names like 'Fujisan', it is 'san'. As a standalone word, it is 'yama'.
Yes, metaphorically to describe a big goal or challenge.
No, i-adjectives connect directly to nouns.
Yes, it is the most famous example in Japan.
Related Phrases
{低|ひく}い{山|やま}
contrastA low mountain or hill.
{富士山|ふじさん}
specialized formMt. Fuji.
{登山|とざん}
builds onMountain climbing.
{高山|こうざん}
synonymAlpine mountain.
{山頂|さんちょう}
similarMountain summit.
