Translation guide
The English word "expensive" describes something that costs a lot of money. In Japanese, the most common and direct equivalent is 高い (たかい), but there are other expressions depending on formality, context, and nuance. This guide covers natural ways to express "expensive" in Japanese, from everyday speech to formal writing.
expensive
Describing something as costing a lot of money in a neutral or everyday context.
The most common and versatile word for "expensive." Can be used for goods, services, and abstract costs. It is an i-adjective.
This bag is expensive, isn't it?
Rent in Tokyo is expensive.
A more formal or written term meaning "high-priced" or "costly." Often used in product descriptions or formal contexts.
I purchased an expensive jewel.
Literally "the price is high." A slightly more explicit way to say something is expensive, emphasizing the price itself.
That restaurant is expensive (has high prices).
Means "large amount of money" or "high-priced." Often used in contexts like "high-priced item" or "large sum." More formal and often used in written or business settings.
It incurred expensive medical costs.
Expressing that something is beyond one's budget or unreasonably priced.
The adjective 高い with the verb すぎる (too much). Means "too expensive." Very common in casual conversation.
This is too expensive!
Literally "can't put out one's hand." An idiomatic expression meaning something is so expensive that you can't afford it or it's out of reach.
Similar to 手が出ない, meaning "out of reach" financially. Slightly more literal.
That apartment is too expensive for me to afford.
Describing something that appears costly or high-class, often in a positive sense.
Means "high-class," "luxury," or "high-grade." Used for items, brands, or services that are premium and expensive.
We dined at an expensive (luxury) restaurant.
Means "luxurious," "splendid," or "extravagant." Often used for things that are not only expensive but also lavish or showy.
The adjective 高い with the suffix そう (seems). Means "looks expensive." Used when guessing the price based on appearance.
That watch looks expensive.
Describing a high non-monetary cost, such as time, effort, or emotional toll.
While 高い can mean "tall" or "high" as well as "expensive," it is not used to describe people as "expensive" in the sense of being high-maintenance or costly. For that, use phrases like お金がかかる (costs money) or 維持費が高い (maintenance cost is high).
She is expensive (high-maintenance).
高い is the everyday word for "expensive." 高価 is more formal and emphasizes high price. 高級 implies luxury and high quality, not just high price. Use 高級 for premium brands and experiences, 高価 for formal price descriptions, and 高い for general use.
この車は高くて手が出ない。
This car is so expensive I can't afford it.
She has an expensive designer bag.
We stayed at an expensive (luxurious) hotel.
This plan comes at an expensive (great) sacrifice.