Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing that something is expensive depends on whether you mean high monetary cost, high personal cost, or something being valuable. The most common word is 高い, but there are important nuances.
To say that something costs a lot of money.
The standard adjective for 'expensive'. Can be used for goods, services, and prices.
To say that something comes at a high personal cost, such as time, effort, or sacrifice.
Means 'the cost/price is large', used for sacrifices or negative consequences.
成功の代償は大きかった。
The price of success was high.
To say that something is valuable or precious, not necessarily in monetary terms.
Means 'precious' or 'valuable', often for things that are rare or irreplaceable.
While 高い can mean 'tall' for people, it does not mean 'expensive' for people. To say someone is 'high-maintenance' or 'costly', use other expressions like お金がかかる (costs money).
このカバンは高いです。
This bag is expensive.
東京は物価が高い。
Prices are high in Tokyo.
Literally 'the price is high'. Used when you want to emphasize the price itself.
このレストランは値段が高いね。
This restaurant is expensive, isn't it?
A more formal or written term for 'expensive' or 'high-priced'. Often used for luxury items.
高価な宝石を買った。
I bought an expensive jewel.
Means 'the sacrifice is large', emphasizing what was given up.
この計画は犠牲が大きすぎる。
This plan is too costly (in terms of sacrifice).
これは貴重な経験です。
This is a valuable experience.
Means 'important' or 'precious', often for emotional value.
家族は私にとって大切です。
Family is precious to me.