Translation guide
The English word 'high' covers many meanings. This guide groups them by practical use: physical height, elevated levels, intoxication, and more. For each meaning, natural Japanese expressions are given, from most common to niche.
high (tall, expensive, high-pitched)
Most common translation for physical height, price, voice, etc.
Describing something tall or at a great vertical distance.
The most common word for 'high' in the sense of tall or elevated. Used for buildings, mountains, ceilings, etc.
That building is very high.
Means 'high place' or 'elevated location'. Often used in warnings or technical contexts.
Refers to 'high-rise' or 'upper floors'. Used in compounds like 高層ビル (skyscraper).
Describing a high number, level, or degree of something.
Also used for high numbers, prices, temperatures, etc. Very versatile.
Being under the influence of drugs.
Loanword from English 'high'. Used colloquially for drug-induced euphoria.
Being drunk or tipsy.
Standard way to say 'drunk'. Not specifically 'high', but used for alcohol intoxication.
Describing a sound with a high frequency.
Used for high-pitched voices or sounds.
Having a high position in society or an organization.
Can be used for high status, but often combined with other words.
Of superior quality or excellence.
Used for high quality, ability, etc.
Referring to a high latitude or northern region.
While 高い is the most common translation, it doesn't cover all meanings. For 'high' as in drug intoxication, use ハイになる. For 'high' as in 'high school', use 高等 (こうとう) as in 高等学校 (こうとうがっこう). Always check the specific context.
高い is an adjective meaning 'high/tall/expensive'. 高さ (たかさ) is the noun meaning 'height' or 'expensiveness'. Use 高さ when talking about the measurement.
a room with a high ceiling
高所での作業は危険です。
Working at high places is dangerous.
高層ビルが立ち並んでいる。
High-rise buildings stand in a row.
The temperature is high today.
This store has high prices.
Means 'high standard' or 'high level'. Used in formal contexts.
Provide a high level of education.
Means 'high rate' or 'high percentage'. Often used in economic contexts.
high tax rate
He was high on drugs.
Slang for being high or intoxicated, especially from drugs. Very informal.
That guy is high.
He is quite high (drunk).
Means 'tipsy' or 'slightly drunk'. A pleasant, mild high from alcohol.
I went home feeling a bit high (tipsy).
She has a high voice.
Means 'high tone' or 'high note'. Used in music or technical descriptions.
This song has many high notes.
He has a high position.
Means 'noble' or 'high-born'. Used for aristocratic status.
of high birth
Means 'high rank' or 'high position'. Formal.
a high-ranking official
He has high ability.
Means 'high quality'. Common in product descriptions.
high-quality products
Means 'advanced' or 'high-level'. Used for technology, skills, etc.
high technology / advanced technology
Means 'high latitude'. Used in geography.
high-latitude region
How high is this mountain?