Meaning
A structure that extends high into the air.
Cultural Background
In Tokyo, 'tall buildings' are often synonymous with 'Depachika' (department store basements) and rooftop gardens. The height is used not just for offices but for massive multi-level entertainment complexes. Kyoto has strict height restrictions to preserve the historical skyline. You won't find many '{高い|たかい}{建物|たてもの}' in the city center, making the Kyoto Tower stand out significantly. The race for the tallest building is a global phenomenon. In Japanese, this is often discussed using the term '{世界一|せかいいち}{高|たか}い{建物|たてもの}' (the tallest building in the world). Tall buildings in Japan are designed to sway during earthquakes. This 'swaying' is a safety feature, though it can be frightening for those inside.
Context is King
If you are in a city, people will assume 'takai' refers to height. If you are in a store, they will assume it means price.
Don't use for people
Remember: 'Takai tatemono' for buildings, 'Se ga takai hito' for people. Using 'Takai hito' sounds like 'Expensive person'!
Meaning
A structure that extends high into the air.
Context is King
If you are in a city, people will assume 'takai' refers to height. If you are in a store, they will assume it means price.
Don't use for people
Remember: 'Takai tatemono' for buildings, 'Se ga takai hito' for people. Using 'Takai hito' sounds like 'Expensive person'!
Use 'Biru' for impact
If you want to sound more like a local in Tokyo, use '{高層|こうそう}ビル' or just 'ビル' when talking about skyscrapers.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'building'.
{東京|とうきょう}には{高|たか}い____がたくさんあります。
'{建物|たてもの}' means building, which fits the context of a city like Tokyo.
Which adjective is used to describe a tall building?
あの_____{建物|たてもの}は{何|なん}ですか？
'{高い|たかい}' is used for vertical height, whereas '{長い|ながい}' is for length.
Match the Japanese phrase to its English translation.
Match the following:
These are basic adjective-noun pairings for buildings.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {窓|まど}から{何|なに}が{見|み}えますか？ B: {高|たか}い_______が{見|み}えます。
You see buildings from a window, not food or drinks.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of {建物|たてもの}
Height
- • {高|たか}い (Tall)
- • {低|ひく}い (Short)
Age
- • {新|あたら}しい (New)
- • {古|ふる}い (Old)
Practice Bank
4 exercises{東京|とうきょう}には{高|たか}い____がたくさんあります。
'{建物|たてもの}' means building, which fits the context of a city like Tokyo.
あの_____{建物|たてもの}は{何|なん}ですか？
'{高い|たかい}' is used for vertical height, whereas '{長い|ながい}' is for length.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are basic adjective-noun pairings for buildings.
A: {窓|まど}から{何|なに}が{見|み}えますか？ B: {高|たか}い_______が{見|み}えます。
You see buildings from a window, not food or drinks.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it also means 'expensive'. You distinguish them by context and sometimes by the kanji (though they usually share the same kanji {高|たか}).
Yes! '{高|たか}いビル' is very common and sounds slightly more modern than '{高|たか}い{建物|たてもの}'.
It is '{低|ひく}い{建物|たてもの}' (hikui tatemono), meaning a short or low building.
Use '{一番|いちばん}{高|たか}い{建物|たてもの}' (ichiban takai tatemono).
It is neutral. It's appropriate for both casual and formal situations.
Related Phrases
{高層|こうそう}ビル
specialized formSkyscraper / High-rise building
{タワー|たわー}
similarTower
{低|ひく}い{建物|たてもの}
contrastShort/Low building
{大|おお}きい{建物|たてもの}
similarBig building
