高

JLPT N5

High, expensive

Readings

On’yomi: コウ (kō)

Kun’yomi: たか（い）, たか（まる）, たか（める） (taka(i), taka(maru), taka(meru))

• たか（い） (takai) → high, tall, expensive • たか（まる） (takamaru) → rise, increase • たか（める） (takameru) → to raise, to enhance

Structure

Strokes: 10

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

高い

たかい

high / expensive

高校

こうこう

high school

高価

こうか

expensive

高級

こうきゅう

luxury

高速

こうそく

high-speed

Example Sentences

この山は高いです。

このやまはたかいです。

This mountain is high.

高校に通っています。

こうこうにかよっています。

I attend high school.

高価な時計です。

こうかなとけいです。

It is an expensive watch.

高級ホテルに泊まります。

こうきゅうホテルにとまります。

I stay at a luxury hotel.

高速道路を使います。

こうそくどうろをつかいます。

I use the highway.

Cultural Note

1. Height and Status
o In Japanese culture, 高 (high) is not just physical but often symbolic of status, quality, or excellence.
o Example: 高級 (luxury/high-class) indicates refinement, elegance, and premium quality.
2. Education
o 高校 (high school) uses 高, showing its position above middle school, reflecting hierarchical thinking in education.
3. Aspirational Meaning
o Phrases like 能力を高める (raise your ability) or 志を高く持つ (aim high) reflect a cultural value of self-improvement and ambition.