Meaning
The kanji 高 (taka) is a foundational character in Japanese, primarily meaning "high," "tall," or "expensive." It's crucial for N5 learners to master, as it frequently appears in daily conversations and written materials. Beyond these core meanings, 高 can also express "loudness" (as in a high volume) or indicate an "amount" or "quantity" when used as a suffix.
Visually, the kanji 高 is believed to originate as a pictograph depicting a tall structure or building, possibly a watchtower or a multi-storied house. The top part represents the roof or a lookout point, while the lower parts suggest the walls and base. This visual representation naturally connects to its meanings of "high" and "tall," leveraging its etymological roots. Understanding this connection can aid in remembering its shape and meaning. The kanji 高 has 10 strokes and is taught in the second grade in Japanese elementary schools, making it a relatively early kanji to learn.
This versatility means 高 is used to describe a wide range of attributes. For instance, it can refer to the physical height of an object or person, the cost of an item, or even abstract concepts like one's aspirations. A solid grasp of this kanji is key to understanding many common Japanese expressions.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 高 is コウ.
The コウ reading is typically used when 高 is part of a compound word, often alongside other kanji to form more complex nouns or concepts. It frequently appears in formal or technical terms.
高校 (kōkō) — high school. This is a common abbreviation for 高等学校, literally "high grade school."
最高 (saikō) — highest, supreme, best. Used to describe something at its peak or of the utmost quality.
高度 (kōdo) — altitude, height; a high degree. Often used in scientific or technical contexts.
高級 (kōkyū) — high class, high grade, luxury. Describes something of superior quality or status.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi (native Japanese readings) for 高 are numerous and reflect its adaptability in Japanese vocabulary. These readings are often used when the kanji stands alone or is followed by hiragana (okurigana) to form adjectives or verbs.
たか.い (takai) — This is perhaps the most common reading and serves as an adjective meaning "high," "tall," or "expensive." It’s used to describe physical height, cost, or even a high-pitched sound.
高い (takai) — high, tall (e.g., a tall mountain), expensive (e.g., a high price).
背が高い (se ga takai) — to be tall (literally, "back is high").
たか (taka) — Often appears as a noun or as a prefix/suffix. As a standalone noun, it can refer to a "height" or "amount."
高さ (takasa) — height.
高値 (takane) — high price.
だか (daka) — This reading is primarily used as a suffix, usually denoting an "amount" or "sum" of something, often related to money or quantity.
売上高 (uriagedaka) — sales amount, total sales.
生産高 (seisandaka) — production amount.
たか.める (taka.meru) — This is a transitive verb meaning "to raise," "to elevate," or "to enhance." It requires a direct object.
高める (taka.meru) — to raise, to heighten (e.g., to raise one's reputation).
たか.まる (taka.maru) — This is an intransitive verb meaning "to rise," "to swell," or "to be heightened." It describes something increasing on its own.
高まる (taka.maru) — to rise, to grow (e.g., tension rises, expectations grow).
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 高 is used in many words, showing its wide application in Japanese. Here are some common examples, grouped by theme:
Describing Physical Attributes:
高い (takai) — high, tall (e.g., 高いビル - a tall building).
高所 (kōsho) — high place, height.
高層 (kōsō) — high-rise, multi-storied (e.g., 高層ビル - high-rise building).
Related to Price and Value:
高い (takai) — expensive (e.g., 高いセーター - an expensive sweater).
高価 (kōka) — high price, expensive.
高値 (takane) — high price.
Related to Level and Quality:
最高 (saikō) — highest, supreme, best.
高級 (kōkyū) — high class, high grade, luxury.
高性能 (kōseinō) — high performance.
高度 (kōdo) — altitude, high degree.
Related to Education and Ranking:
高校 (kōkō) — high school.
高学年 (kōgakunen) — higher grades (of elementary school).
Related to Amount or Quantity:
売上高 (uriagedaka) — sales amount.
生産高 (seisandaka) — production amount.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences using the kanji 高, ranging from simple to more complex:
高い山に登りたいです。
Takai yama ni noboritai desu.
I want to climb a high mountain.
このカメラはとても高いです。
Kono kamera wa totemo takai desu.
This camera is very expensive.
彼は背が高いです。
Kare wa se ga takai desu.
He is tall.
高校で日本語を勉強しました。
Kōkō de nihongo o benkyō shimashita.
I studied Japanese in high school.
最近、ガソリンの価格が高まっています。
Saikin, gasorin no kakaku ga takamatte imasu.
Recently, gasoline prices are rising.
私は日本の文化への興味を高めたいです。
Watashi wa Nihon no bunka e no kyōmi o takametai desu.
I want to heighten my interest in Japanese culture.
この仕事は高い技術力が必要です。
Kono shigoto wa kōi gijutsuryoku ga hitsuyō desu.
This job requires high technical skill.
彼女は最高の成績で卒業しました。
Kanojo wa saikō no seiseki de sotsugyō shimashita.
She graduated with the best grades.
高い目標を持つことは大切です。
Kōi mokuhyō o motsu koto wa taisetsu desu.
It is important to have high goals.
Related Kanji
- 気 — Spirit, Energy, Air (Kanji N5)
- 百 — Hundred (Kanji N5)
- 土 — Earth, Soil, Ground (Kanji N5)
- 人 — Person (Kanji N5)
- 大 — Big, Large (Kanji N5)
- 間 — Interval, Space, Between (Kanji N5)
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 高, visualize a tall building or a watchtower. The structure starts wide at the bottom, narrows as it goes up, and has a clear "roof" or "platform" at the very top. Imagine a person standing on this high platform, looking out. This visual representation naturally connects to its meanings of "high" and "tall." Think of an expensive item being placed on a high shelf, making it harder to reach and thus symbolizing its high value. Another way to remember is to think of a "tall mouth" (口) or opening, emphasizing the upward extension. The vertical lines extending upwards truly make it look like something is reaching for the sky.