Translation guide
The height of something above a reference point, usually sea level or the ground. In Japanese, the most common word is 高度 (こうど), but other terms are used depending on context.
Expressing the vertical distance of an object or location above sea level.
The standard term for altitude in most contexts, especially in aviation, geography, and science. It refers to vertical distance above sea level.
飛行機は高度1万メートルを飛行している。
The airplane is flying at an altitude of 10,000 meters.
この山の高度は3000メートルです。
The altitude of this mountain is 3,000 meters.
Literally 'above sea level'. Often used in formal or geographical descriptions, especially for land elevations.
この町の海抜は500メートルです。
The altitude of this town is 500 meters above sea level.
Specifically the elevation of land (mountains, cities) above sea level. Common in geography and hiking.
富士山の標高は3776メートルです。
The altitude of Mt. Fuji is 3,776 meters.
Expressing the vertical distance of an aircraft or object above the ground or a specific surface.
Still the most common term, but context clarifies whether it's above sea level or ground. In aviation, 'altitude' usually means above sea level, while 'height' above ground is often specified.
パイロットは高度を下げた。
The pilot reduced altitude.
Technical term for 'height above ground level' (AGL). Used in aviation and drone operation.
ドローンの対地高度は100メートルに設定されている。
The drone's altitude above ground is set to 100 meters.
Describing places or conditions at high elevations, often with effects on humans or equipment.
Refers to high-altitude areas or highlands. Often used in contexts like 'high altitude training' or 'high altitude sickness'.
高地トレーニングは持久力を高める。
High-altitude training improves endurance.
高地では空気が薄い。
The air is thin at high altitudes.
Literally 'high altitude'. Used in technical or aviation contexts, e.g., 'high-altitude flight'.
Referring to the illness caused by low oxygen at high elevations.
The standard term for altitude sickness. Literally 'high mountain illness'.
高山病の症状には頭痛や吐き気がある。
Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache and nausea.
A more medical/technical term for altitude-related disorders.
高度障害を防ぐためにゆっくり登る。
Climb slowly to prevent altitude sickness.
高度 (こうど) is the general term for altitude and can be used for aircraft, mountains, etc. 標高 (ひょうこう) specifically refers to the elevation of land above sea level. 海抜 (かいばつ) also means above sea level but is more formal and often used in official descriptions. In everyday conversation, 高度 is the safest choice.
この山の標高は2000メートルです。
The altitude of this mountain is 2,000 meters.
飛行機の高度は1万メートルです。
The airplane's altitude is 10,000 meters.
高高度気球が成層圏に達した。
The high-altitude balloon reached the stratosphere.