In 15 Seconds
- Refers to time that costs a lot of money literally.
- Used for professional fees, peak hours, or expensive services.
- Do not use for 'precious' or 'sentimental' time.
Meaning
This phrase refers to a period of time that carries a high monetary cost or a premium price tag. It's used when you are paying for professional services by the hour or dealing with peak-hour surcharges.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting with an expensive consultant
今は高い時間ですから、集中しましょう。
This is expensive time, so let's concentrate.
Talking about electricity bills during peak hours
午後の二時は一番高い時間です。
Two in the afternoon is the most expensive time.
Booking a recording studio
週末は高い時間帯しかありません。
There are only expensive time slots available on the weekend.
Cultural Background
Professional time is highly respected. Time-based billing is standard.
Context is key
Only use this for money.
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to time that costs a lot of money literally.
- Used for professional fees, peak hours, or expensive services.
- Do not use for 'precious' or 'sentimental' time.
What It Means
Think of 高い時間 as 'premium time.' It isn't about how much you value a moment emotionally. Instead, it’s about the literal price tag attached to the clock. If you are talking to a lawyer, you are in 高い時間. If you are using electricity during a peak summer afternoon, that is 高い時間. It’s the kind of time that makes you check your watch and your bank account simultaneously. It’s simple, direct, and focuses purely on the financial cost of the passing minutes.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like a regular noun phrase. You can say something 'is' 高い時間 by adding です or だ. You can also use it to describe a specific slot, like 高い時間帯 (expensive time slot). It’s a very logical combination. You are taking the adjective for 'expensive' and sticking it to 'time.' It’s great for A1 learners because it uses two very basic words to express a specific, modern concept. Just remember it’s a description, not a fixed idiom.
When To Use It
Use this when the meter is running! It’s perfect for business contexts. Imagine you are hiring a famous consultant. You might whisper to your colleague, 'This is 高い時間, so let's focus!' It also works for seasonal travel. Going to Hawaii during New Year’s? That’s definitely 高い時間. You can also use it when discussing utility bills or parking fees in downtown Tokyo. If the price per minute makes your eyes water, this is your phrase. It’s practical and helps you navigate the costs of daily life.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful here! Do not use 高い時間 to mean 'precious' or 'meaningful' time. If you tell your partner, 'Spending time with you is 高い時間,' they might think you’re charging them an hourly fee! That’s a fast way to end a date. For emotional value, use 大切な時間 (precious/important time). Also, avoid using it for 'long' time. Even if a meeting feels like it’s costing you your soul, if it’s free, it isn't 高い時間. It’s just a 長い時間 (long time).
Cultural Background
Japan is a culture that deeply respects punctuality and efficiency. In big cities like Tokyo, space and time are literally expensive. This phrase reflects the 'Time is Money' mindset often found in the Japanese corporate world. There is a specific awareness of 'peak' and 'off-peak' in Japan, from train fares to electricity usage. Using this phrase shows you understand the economic reality of living in a high-cost society. It’s a very pragmatic way of looking at the world.
Common Variations
You will often hear 高い時間帯 (takai jikan-tai), which means 'expensive time slot.' This is what you’ll see on signs for parking lots or karaoke boxes. Another variation is 一番高い時間 (the most expensive time). If you’re talking about wages, you might switch to 高い時給 (high hourly wage). While 高い時間 is the base, adding these small suffixes makes you sound much more like a local who knows how to save a few yen.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral descriptive phrase. It is grammatically simple but context-sensitive. Always ensure you are referring to monetary cost rather than emotional significance to avoid sounding cold or transactional in social situations.
Context is key
Only use this for money.
Examples
6今は高い時間ですから、集中しましょう。
This is expensive time, so let's concentrate.
Uses the phrase to remind everyone of the high hourly rate.
午後の二時は一番高い時間です。
Two in the afternoon is the most expensive time.
Refers to peak electricity pricing.
週末は高い時間帯しかありません。
There are only expensive time slots available on the weekend.
Uses the variation 'jikan-tai' for a specific slot.
弁護士との話はとても高い時間だった！
Talking with the lawyer was a very expensive time!
Expressing shock at the cost of a consultation.
私の高い時間を無駄にしないで！
Don't waste my expensive time!
A humorous way to pretend your time is worth a lot of money.
あれは本当に高い時間でした。
That was truly expensive time (and not worth it).
Reflects on the high cost versus the low value of the experience.
Test Yourself
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best usage.
A implies you are expensive to talk to; B correctly describes a professional service.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesChoose the best usage.
A implies you are expensive to talk to; B correctly describes a professional service.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it is for professional services.
Related Phrases
時給
specialized formHourly wage
割高
similarRelatively expensive
