Translation guide
Expressing the idea of 'great height' in Japanese depends on whether you're describing a physical location, a person's stature, or a metaphorical peak. The most common and versatile word is 高い (takai), but there are more specific terms for towering objects, lofty ideals, and extreme altitudes.
あのビルはとても高い。
That building is very tall.
彼は背が高い。
He is tall.
Describing something that is tall or high in a physical sense, such as a building, mountain, or person.
The most common and versatile adjective for 'tall' or 'high'. Can be used for buildings, mountains, prices, voices, etc.
あのビルはとても高い。
That building is very tall.
富士山は日本で一番高い山です。
Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan.
Means 'high-rise' or 'tall building'. Often used in compounds like 高層ビル (skyscraper).
東京には高層ビルが多い。
There are many high-rise buildings in Tokyo.
Emphasizing that something is exceptionally high, soaring, or towering above its surroundings.
Verb meaning 'to tower' or 'to rise high'. Often used for mountains or impressive structures.
山がそびえている。
The mountain towers (above the landscape).
Combination of 高い and そびえる for 'towering high'.
高くそびえる塔
a towering spire
Literary verb meaning 'to rise steeply' or 'to stand towering'. Often used for cliffs or sheer walls.
Describing ideals, goals, or character that are elevated or sublime.
Referring to altitude or a specific high measurement.
Means 'altitude' or 'height' in a technical sense. Used for airplanes, mountains, etc.
飛行機は高度一万メートルを飛んでいる。
The plane is flying at an altitude of 10,000 meters.
Specifically 'elevation' above sea level, used for landforms.
Saying 彼は高い (kare wa takai) would mean 'He is expensive' or 'He is high (on drugs)'. Always use 背が高い for a person's height.
岸壁がそそり立つ。
The cliff rises steeply.
富士山の標高は3776メートルです。
The elevation of Mt. Fuji is 3,776 meters.