How to say "tower" in Japanese

• タワーJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounThe loanword for a tower as a physical structure; the everyday word when referring to a tower itself, particularly tall modern structures built for observation, broadcasting, or similar purposes.
  あなたは東京とうきょうタワーを訪おとずれましたか。↗

  Did you visit the Tokyo Tower?
• 塔とうJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, noun (suffix)The native word for a tower; its senses also include steeple and spire, so it fits church towers, and it is the word for traditional towers such as pagodas.
  家いえからその塔とうが見みえる。↗

  I see the tower from my house.
• そびえるJLPT N1approx.Common
  ichidan verb, intransitive verbNot the noun 'tower' but the verb: it describes a tall building, mountain, or similar thing rising high and towering over its surroundings; it is usually written using kana alone.
  その峰みねは雲くもの上うえにそびえている。↗

  The peak rises above the clouds.

Use 「タワー」 for a tower as a structure, especially modern ones; 塔 for towers including steeples, spires, and traditional towers; and 「そびえる」 only when describing something towering or rising high, never as the noun.

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

• タワーtower
• 塔とうtower
• そびえるto rise (of a building, mountain, etc.)
• 台うてなtower
• 楼ろうtower
• そばだつto tower
• 雲突くくもつくto tower
• そそり立つそそりたつto rise (steeply)
• 高楼こうろうtall building
• そそり勃つそそりたつto become erect (penis, nipple, etc.)
• そり立つそりたつto rise (steeply)
• 雲をつくくもをつくto be extremely tall (of stature)