Translation guide
How to express the concept of 'getting high' in Japanese, covering drug intoxication, natural euphoria, and metaphorical highs.
To become intoxicated from drugs, especially recreational drugs.
The most direct and common way to say 'get high' from drugs. 'ハイ' is a loanword from English 'high'.
彼はマリファナでハイになった。
He got high on marijuana.
To feel a natural high from exercise, music, success, etc.
A formal way to say one's mood is elevated or elated. Suitable for natural highs.
運動の後は気分が高揚する。
I get a natural high after exercising.
To feel a rush from achievement, power, or adrenaline.
Do not translate 'get high' literally as '高くなる' (takaku naru). That means 'to become tall/expensive' and does not convey intoxication or euphoria.
'ハイになる' is closer to the English 'high' and can imply drug use or an intense, possibly unnatural state. 'テンションが上がる' is a safe, common way to express excitement without drug connotations.
Slang term for getting high, often used for stimulants or party drugs. Can imply being out of it.
あいつ、ラリってるよ。
That guy is high (on drugs).
Slang meaning to be perfectly high, often from stimulants. Implies a satisfying, intense high.
今日はすごくキマった。
I got really high today.
Literally 'to get drunk', but can be used metaphorically for drug intoxication, though it's less precise.
薬に酔う
to get intoxicated by drugs
Very common casual phrase meaning to get excited or hyped up. Often used for fun events or good news.
ライブに行くとテンションが上がる。
I get high when I go to live concerts.
Can also be used for natural highs, but may carry a slight connotation of being overly excited or even drug-like.
成功してハイになっている。
He's high on success.
Literally 'to soar', used metaphorically to mean being carried away with joy or excitement.
嬉しさで舞い上がる。
to be high with happiness
Literally 'adrenaline comes out', used to describe an adrenaline rush or high from excitement or danger.
スカイダイビングでアドレナリンが出た。
I got an adrenaline high from skydiving.
General term for getting excited, but can be used for a high-like state in context.
権力を手にして興奮する。
to get high on power