How to say "high-grade" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

高級こうきゅうJLPT N2approx.Common
na-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers 'high-grade' in the sense of high quality or luxury: high-class, high-end things such as goods, hotels, and restaurants. Choose this when 'high-grade' means premium in quality rather than advanced in level.
高級こうきゅうな品物しなものを買かう事ことは、結局けっきょくは損そんにならない。↗
It pays in the long run to buy goods of high quality.
高度こうどJLPT N2approx.Common
na-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers 'high-grade' in the sense of advanced or sophisticated — a high degree of skill, knowledge, or technology. It is not the word for high-grade merchandise; for premium quality, 高級 is the word you want.
この仕事しごとは高度こうどの熟練じゅくれんを必要ひつようとする。↗
This work calls for a high degree of skill.

Use 高級 for 'high-grade' meaning high-class or premium in quality, as of goods and services, and 高度 for the sense of advanced or sophisticated, describing a high degree of skill or technology.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

高級こうきゅうhigh-class
高品位こうひんいhigh-grade
高度こうどhigh-degree

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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