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.
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.
あのビルはとても高い。
That building is very high.
天井が高い部屋
a room with a high ceiling
Means 'high place' or 'elevated location'. Often used in warnings or technical contexts.
高所での作業は危険です。
Working at high places is dangerous.
Refers to 'high-rise' or 'upper floors'. Used in compounds like 高層ビル (skyscraper).
高層ビルが立ち並んでいる。
High-rise buildings stand in a row.
Describing a high number, level, or degree of something.
Also used for high numbers, prices, temperatures, etc. Very versatile.
今日は気温が高い。
The temperature is high today.
この店は値段が高い。
This store has high prices.
Means 'high rate' or 'high percentage'. Often used in economic contexts.
Being under the influence of drugs.
Loanword from English 'high'. Used colloquially for drug-induced euphoria.
彼はドラッグでハイになっていた。
He was high on drugs.
Slang for being high or intoxicated, especially from drugs. Very informal.
あいつ、ラリってるよ。
That guy is high.
Being drunk or tipsy.
Standard way to say 'drunk'. Not specifically 'high', but used for alcohol intoxication.
彼はかなり酔っ払っている。
He is quite high (drunk).
Means 'tipsy' or 'slightly drunk'. A pleasant, mild high from alcohol.
ほろ酔い気分で帰宅した。
I went home feeling a bit high (tipsy).
Describing a sound with a high frequency.
Having a high position in society or an organization.
Can be used for high status, but often combined with other words.
彼は地位が高い。
He has a high position.
Means 'noble' or 'high-born'. Used for aristocratic status.
高貴な生まれ
of high birth
Means 'high rank' or 'high position'. Formal.
高位の役人
a high-ranking official
Of superior quality or excellence.
Used for high quality, ability, etc.
彼は能力が高い。
He has high ability.
Means 'high quality'. Common in product descriptions.
Means 'advanced' or 'high-level'. Used for technology, skills, etc.
高度な技術
high technology / advanced technology
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.
この山の高さはどのくらいですか。
How high is this mountain?
Means 'high standard' or 'high level'. Used in formal contexts.
高水準の教育を提供する。
Provide a high level of education.
高率の税金
high tax rate
この曲は高音が多い。
This song has many high notes.
高品質な製品
high-quality products