Translation guide
Describes a sound that is high in frequency, like a whistle or a child's voice. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is 高い (たかい), but other words like 甲高い (かんだかい) or キンキン (kinkin) add nuance. This guide covers natural ways to describe high-pitched sounds in various contexts.
Describing a voice, note, or sound that is high in pitch.
The most basic and versatile word for 'high-pitched'. Can be used for voices, musical notes, and other sounds. Often combined with 声 (こえ, voice) or 音 (おと, sound).
She has a high-pitched voice.
The sound of that whistle is very high-pitched.
Means 'shrill' or 'piercingly high-pitched'. Often used for voices or sounds that are uncomfortably high. Has a slightly negative nuance.
A child's shrill voice echoed.
An onomatopoeic word for a sharp, high-pitched ringing or piercing sound, like tinnitus or a loud alarm. Often used in casual speech.
My ears are ringing (with a high-pitched sound).
Focusing on the pitch of a person's voice.
The standard way to say someone has a high-pitched voice. Note that 声 (こえ) means 'voice', and 高い (たかい) means 'high'.
His voice is so high-pitched that he's mistaken for a woman on the phone.
Refers to 'falsetto', a high-pitched voice produced by a specific vocal technique. Not just any high voice, but a deliberate, often breathy high register.
Describing a note that is high on the musical scale.
Emphasizing that the sound is irritatingly high.
Means 'harsh on the ears' or 'grating'. Often used for high-pitched sounds that are unpleasant. It's an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., 音).
The alarm was a grating, high-pitched sound.
Onomatopoeia for a squeaky, high-pitched noise, like a mouse or a poorly oiled machine. Casual.
The door squeaks (with a high-pitched sound).
歌手は裏声で高い音を出した。
The singer hit a high note in falsetto.
彼は高音が苦手だ。
He struggles with high notes.