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.
That building is very tall.
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.
That building is very tall.
Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan.
Means 'high-rise' or 'tall building'. Often used in compounds like 高層ビル (skyscraper).
Specifically for a person's height. Literally 'back is tall'.
He is tall.
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.
The mountain towers (above the landscape).
Combination of 高い and そびえる for 'towering high'.
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.
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.
東京には高層ビルが多い。
There are many high-rise buildings in Tokyo.
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.