If you’re looking to expand your Japanese vocabulary, it’s essential to learn how to express the concept of “expensive” accurately. In this guide, we’ll explore various translations, equivalents, pronunciations, and common phrases related to this term in Japanese language.
Understanding how to say expensive in Japanese can open up opportunities for clearer communication with native Japanese speakers, whether you’re negotiating prices, shopping, or discussing the cost of living. With the right knowledge and practice, you can express this idea with confidence and accuracy.
In the following sections, we’ll cover the Japanese word for expensive, translations and equivalents, pronunciation and usage, common phrases, and much more. So let’s get started and improve your Japanese vocabulary today!
Translations and Equivalents for Expensive in Japanese
There are several ways to express the concept of “expensive” in Japanese. Here are some of the most common translations and equivalents:
| English | Japanese |
|---|---|
| expensive | 高い (takai) |
| costly | 費用がかかる (hiyou ga kakaru) |
| pricey | 値が張る (ne ga haru) |
| high-priced | 高額な (kougaku na) |
When deciding which term to use, consider the context and level of formality. For example, “takai” is a more casual way of saying “expensive,” while “kougaku na” is a more formal option.
It’s also essential to understand the nuance of each expression. While the direct translation of “costly” (費用がかかる) represents something that incurs expenses, “takai” and “ne ga haru” specifically convey the notion of a high price.
By learning these translations and equivalents, you will be able to accurately communicate the concept of “expensive” in Japanese.
Pronunciation and Usage of Expensive in Japanese
Now that you are familiar with the translations and equivalents for “expensive” in Japanese, it’s time to focus on pronunciation and usage.
How to Say Expensive in Japanese
The Japanese word for “expensive” is 高い (takai). It’s important to note that the pronunciation of “takai” is not “tuh-kai,” but rather “tah-kah-ee.”
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Expensive | 高い | tah-kah-ee |
Remember to pronounce each syllable distinctly and maintain a rising intonation on the last syllable.
Usage of Expensive in Japanese
The usage of “takai” can vary depending on the context. Here are some examples:
- この店の商品はとても高いです。(Kono mise no shouhin wa totemo takai desu.) – The products in this store are very expensive.
- 高いお金を払っても買う価値がある。(Takai okane wo harattemo kau kachi ga aru.) – It’s worth buying even if you have to pay a lot of money.
Other Expressions for Expensive in Japanese
Besides “takai,” there are other expressions to convey the concept of expensive in Japanese. Here are some examples:
| Japanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 高価な | kouka na | Costly |
| 高額な | kougaku na | High-priced |
Use these expressions to add more variety and nuance to your Japanese vocabulary for “expensive.”
Common Phrases for Expensive in Japanese
Beyond just the word for “expensive,” it’s important to learn common phrases and vocabulary related to high costs in Japanese. Here are some useful phrases to help you express this idea:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| 高い (takai) | expensive |
| 高価な (koukana) | costly |
| 高額な (kougakuna) | high-priced |
| 値段が張る (nedan ga haru) | to be expensive |
| 高い値段 (takai nedan) | high price |
In addition to these phrases, there are also various Japanese expressions that are used to describe expensive items or experiences. For example:
- お金がかかる (okane ga kakaru) – to cost a lot of money
- 豪華な (gouka na) – luxurious
- 高級な (koukyuu na) – high-end
- プレミアムな (puremiamu na) – premium
By incorporating these phrases into your conversations and writing, you can communicate the idea of “expensive” more effectively and naturally. Keep in mind that context is also important when using these phrases, so practice using them in the appropriate situations.
Pronunciation and Usage of Expensive in Japanese
When it comes to learning a new language, pronunciation is key. In Japanese, the word for “expensive” is “takai” (高い).
The first syllable “ta” is pronounced with a short “a” sound, similar to saying “taco”. The second syllable “kai” is pronounced with a long “i” sound, almost like saying “kye”.
In daily conversations, you can use this word in various ways depending on the context. For instance, you can say:
- “Kono kuruma wa takai desu” (この車は高いです), which means, “This car is expensive”.
- “Takai desu ne” (高いですね), which means, “It’s expensive, isn’t it?”.
- “Takai kedo shiawase” (高いけど幸せ), which means, “It’s expensive, but it makes me happy”.
Another commonly used word for “expensive” in Japanese is “kōkai na” (高価な), which emphasizes the high cost of an item. You can use this word to say:
- “Kōkai na furugi wa iranai” (高価な古着はいらない), which means, “I don’t need expensive used clothes”.
- “Kono shōhin wa kōkai na no de yameru” (この商品は高価なのでやめる), which means, “I’ll stop buying this product because it’s expensive”.
By practicing these pronunciation and usage examples, you’ll be on your way to mastering the Japanese vocabulary for “expensive”.
Keep Learning
Now that you know how to say “expensive” in Japanese and can use it in context, continue expanding your vocabulary and exploring the rich nuances of the Japanese language.
FAQ
Q: How do you say “expensive” in Japanese?
A: The word for “expensive” in Japanese is “takai” (高い).
Q: What is the Japanese equivalent of “expensive”?
A: The Japanese word “takai” (高い) is the direct equivalent of “expensive” in English.
Q: How do you pronounce “takai”?
A: “Takai” is pronounced as “tah-kah-ee” in Japanese.
Q: Are there any alternative words or phrases for “expensive” in Japanese?
A: Yes, apart from “takai,” you can also use the word “kōshiki” (高価) or the phrase “kane ga kakaru” (金がかかる) to convey the meaning of “expensive” in Japanese.
Q: Can you provide examples of how to use “takai” in everyday conversations?
A: Certainly! Here are a few examples:
– この商品はとても高いです。(Kono shōhin wa totemo takai desu.) – This item is very expensive.
– レストランの料理はいつも高いです。(Resutoran no ryōri wa itsumo takai desu.) – The food in the restaurant is always expensive.
Q: What is another word for “expensive” in Japanese?
A: Another word for “expensive” in Japanese is “kōtsuina” (高価な), which specifically means “costly.”
Q: How can I incorporate these phrases into my conversations?
A: To practice using these phrases, try incorporating them into everyday conversations with your Japanese-speaking friends or language exchange partners. This will help you become more comfortable and fluent in expressing the concept of “expensive” in Japanese.