Translation guide
In Japanese, a high-rise building is most commonly referred to as 高層ビル (こうそうビル). There are also more specific terms for skyscrapers, tall apartment buildings, and formal architectural contexts.
high-rise building
Referring to any tall building with many floors, typically in a city.
The most common and neutral term for a high-rise building. It combines 高層 (high-rise) and ビル (building). Used in everyday conversation and writing.
That high-rise building has many offices.
There are many high-rise buildings in Tokyo.
A more formal or technical term for high-rise architecture or a high-rise structure. Often used in news or architectural contexts.
High-rise construction is restricted in this area.
Refers specifically to a skyscraper or super-tall building, typically over 100 meters. Used when emphasizing extreme height.
That skyscraper is 300 meters tall.
Specifically a tall residential building with many units.
Emphasizing extreme height, often iconic or landmark buildings.
A literary or poetic term for a skyscraper, literally 'sky-scraping tower'. Often used in metaphors or dramatic descriptions.
I looked up at the skyscrapers of New York.
ビル (building) generally refers to commercial or office buildings, while マンション refers to residential apartment buildings. A high-rise office building is 高層ビル, and a high-rise apartment is 高層マンション. Using ビル for an apartment building can sound unnatural.
This building is for offices only.
This apartment building is for sale (condominiums).
While 高いビル means 'tall building', it does not specifically mean 'high-rise building' as a category. Use 高層ビル for the concept of a high-rise. 高いビル simply describes any building that is tall.
What is that tall building?
I work in a high-rise building in Shinjuku.
High-rise buildings have changed the city skyline.
Literally 'tower mansion', this refers to a high-rise luxury apartment building, often with a distinctive tower-like shape. Common in real estate contexts.
A tower apartment building was recently built in front of the station.