Learning how to express the concept of something being expensive in Japanese is vital for effective communication, whether you’re a tourist, language enthusiast, or planning to live in Japan. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various formal and informal expressions for talking about high prices in Japanese. We’ll also touch upon regional variations if necessary. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Something is Expensive
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings or polite conversations, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are some phrases you can use to convey that something is costly in a respectful manner:
1. 〇〇が高いです。
This simple sentence pattern translates to “〇〇 is expensive.” Simply substitute 〇〇 (maru maru) with the item or service you wish to express as expensive. For example:
- この時計が高いです。 (kono tokei ga takai desu) – This watch is expensive.
- そのホテルが高いです。 (sono hoteru ga takai desu) – That hotel is expensive.
2. 〇〇は高価です。
This slightly more formal expression is equivalent to “〇〇 is costly.” The usage is similar to the previous pattern, but it emphasizes a higher level of formality. For example:
- この宝石は高価です。 (kono houseki wa kōka desu) – This gemstone is costly.
- その車は高価です。 (sono kuruma wa kōka desu) – That car is costly.
Informal Ways to Say Something is Expensive
In casual conversations or when addressing friends and family, you can opt for more informal expressions to convey the expensive nature of something. Here are a few commonly used phrases:
1. 〇〇が高いよ。
This informal sentence pattern translates to “〇〇 is expensive.” It adds a friendly tone to the conversation. For example:
- この食べ物が高いよ。(kono tabemono ga takai yo) – This food is expensive, you know?
- そのゲームが高いよ。(sono gēmu ga takai yo) – That game is expensive, you know?
2. 〇〇はすごく高い。
This phrase means “〇〇 is really expensive,” and is commonly used among friends. Here are a few examples:
- このバッグ、すごく高いよ。(kono baggu, sugoku takai yo) – This bag is really expensive.
- そのコンサート、すごく高いよ。(sono konsāto, sugoku takai yo) – That concert is really expensive.
Additional Tips and Examples
When discussing the cost of something in Japanese, it’s useful to know a few more tips and variations:
1. Adding ～すぎる (-sugiru)
To express that something is excessively expensive, you can add the suffix ～すぎる (-sugiru) to the adjective 高い (takai). For instance:
- このレストランの料理は高すぎるよ。(kono resutoran no ryōri wa takasugiru yo) – The food at this restaurant is too expensive.
- それは高すぎるから、買わない方がいいよ。(sore wa takasugiru kara, kawanai hō ga ii yo) – It’s too expensive, so it’s better not to buy it.
2. Regional Variations
While the expressions mentioned thus far are standard across Japan, some regions have their own vocabulary and dialects. However, these regional variations are not typically necessary for daily conversations about expensive items.
Now armed with these phrases and tips, you’ll be able to confidently express the idea of something being expensive in Japanese, whether in a formal or informal setting. Practice using these expressions in different contexts to strengthen your understanding.
Remember, learning a language is a journey, so keep an open mind, enjoy the process, and you’ll soon master the art of speaking about expensive things in Japanese!
