高い
takai[ta̠ka̠i]
The English phrase 'expensive' translates to Japanese as 高い (takai).
高い is an adjective used to describe something that has a high price or cost. In colloquial speech, you can add the particle na to the end, as in 高いなあ, to express a sense of exclamation or personal realization about the high price.
Meaning: having a high price or cost (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 高い literally means 'high' in terms of physical height. It is the same word used to describe both physical height and high prices.
Which one should you use?
While 高い can mean both 'high' (height) and 'expensive' (price), the context of the sentence determines which meaning is intended.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There is also a more formal way to say 'expensive' using the word 高価.
How do you pronounce it?
takai
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, stating 高い too bluntly when shopping can be seen as a complaint. Shoppers often use the phrase ちょっと高いですね (chotto takai desu ne) to soften the blow by saying it is 'a little' expensive.
- The word 高い is used to describe high-pitched sounds, such as a 'high' voice, just as it describes a 'high' price or physical height.
- The opposite of 高い in terms of height is 低い (hikui), but you cannot use 低い to mean 'cheap'. If you used it for a price, people would be very confused.
Examples in context
- でも高いよ。It's expensive though.This sentence is useful for noting that something is expensive despite other factors.Tatoeba #202087 by bunbuku, translation #39299 by CM
- 牛肉は高い。Beef is expensive.Tatoeba #9192045 by small_snow, translation #9192040 by CK
- 靴って高いな。Shoes are expensive.This sentence is useful for expressing a realization that shoes are expensive.Tatoeba #10006958 by small_snow, translation #10005477 by shekitten
- この商品はとても 高価 です。This item is very expensive.
- 彼女は 高価 な宝石を身につけていました。She was wearing expensive jewelry.
- このレストランは料理がおいしいですが、 値段が高い です。This restaurant serves delicious food, but it is expensive.
- その時計は 値段が高い ですが、品質がとても良いです。That watch is expensive, but the quality is very good.
- このカフェでコーヒーを買うのは 高い よ。It's expensive to buy coffee at this cafe.
- そのデザイナーブランドはいつも 高い よ。That designer brand is always expensive.
- この新しいスマートフォンは 高め の値段だけど、機能もすごくいいよ。This new smartphone has a slightly higher price, but the features are really great.
- 魚料理が 高め だけど、新鮮なので本当においしいよ。The fish dishes are a bit pricey, but they are so fresh and truly delicious.
- 120 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are looking at a menu in a restaurant.
- 健太 Kentaこのパスタ、高いね。Kono pasuta, takai ne.This pasta is expensive, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yui本当だね。高いよ。Hontou da ne. Takai yo.You're right. It's expensive.
- 健太 Kenta結衣、もっと安いものある？Yui, motto yasui mono aru?Yui, is there something cheaper?
- 結衣 Yuiあ、このサラダは安いよ。A, kono sarada wa yasui yo.Ah, this salad is cheap.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “expensive” translations and entries 高い, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
