How to say "tall" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 高いたかいi-adjectiveCovers both 'high' and 'tall': mountains, prices, buildings, and people can all be described with it. It is the general-purpose everyday word when you simply mean something reaches far up or is elevated.
- 背が高いせがたかいexpression, i-adjectiveThe specific way to say a person is tall, literally 'one's height is high'. When talking about people, this is usually the word you want rather than plain 高い.
- 高層こうそうno-adjectiveNot a standalone 'tall'; it is a noun/modifier meaning high-rise or multistory, used for buildings as in 高層 building contexts. It is not the word for tall people or objects.
Use 「高い」 for things that are high or tall in general, 「背が高い」 specifically for a tall person, and 高層 only as a modifier describing high-rise buildings.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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