高い

• Reading: たかい
• Romaji: takai
• Kanji breakdown: 高 (taka/kou) — high, tall, expensive
• Pronunciation: /ta.ka.i/

Meaning

High; tall; expensive. One of the most versatile and frequently used i-adjectives.

An i-adjective with two main meanings: physically high or tall, and expensive in price. Context determines which meaning is intended. Conjugates regularly: 高くない (not high/expensive), 高かった (was high/expensive), 高くて (high/expensive and...). The opposite for price is 安い (cheap); for height, 低い (hikui, low).

Examples

1. この鞄はちょっと高いですね。 This bag is a little expensive, isn't it?
2. 日本の果物は少し高いです。 Fruit in Japan is a bit pricey.
3. 高いものは買えません。 I can't afford expensive things.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, describing height, comparing prices

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 高 depicts a tall building or watchtower, with the upper part representing a roof structure and the lower part showing the elevated base.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal