高める

• Reading: たかめる
• Romaji: takameru
• Kanji breakdown: 高 (kou/taka) — high, tall, expensive
• Pronunciation: /ta.ka.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To raise; to heighten; to boost. Increasing the level, quality, or intensity of something.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb derived from the adjective 高い (high). Used for abstract improvement: 能力を高める (to improve abilities), 意識を高める (to raise awareness), 品質を高める (to improve quality). The intransitive counterpart is 高まる (to rise/increase). Very common in business and self-improvement contexts.

Examples

1. 英語力を高めるために毎日練習している。 I practice every day to improve my English skills.
2. チームの士気を高めることが大切だ。 It's important to boost the team's morale.
3. 環境への意識を高める活動に参加した。 I participated in an event to raise environmental awareness.

Usage Guide

Context: business, education, self-improvement

Tone: motivational

Origin & History

Derived from 高い (takai, high/tall) with the causative-like suffix -める, creating 'to make high' — actively elevating something.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal