Translation guide
Describes something intellectual, cultured, or sophisticated, often with a nuance of being elite or difficult for average people to appreciate.
He has highbrow tastes.
Means 'intellectual' and is a natural, common way to describe highbrow people or content.
That person prefers very intellectual conversation.
Literally 'for intellectuals'. Used for media, events, or products aimed at a highly educated audience.
This magazine has highbrow content.
A literary term meaning 'highbrow' or 'aloof from worldly affairs', often used for art or literature.
His novels are highbrow and difficult.
Implying that someone looks down on popular culture or considers themselves superior in taste.
Means 'to act like an intellectual' or 'to put on airs of being cultured'. Carries a negative nuance of pretentiousness.
He always acts highbrow and talks about difficult books.
Means 'pretentious' or 'affected'. Often used for someone who tries to appear sophisticated.
Loanword from 'snob'. Describes someone who looks down on things considered lowbrow.
I hate his highbrow attitude.
Referring to entertainment, art, or media that is considered intellectually demanding or culturally refined.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'highbrow'. Using 高尚 (こうしょう) is closest, but it can sound stiff. In casual conversation, 難しい (むずかしい, difficult) or マニア向け (マニアむけ, for enthusiasts) may be more natural depending on context.
That restaurant is highbrow and hard to enter.
Contemporary art is said to be highbrow.