Translation guide
The English phrase 'high and low' is used in two main ways: as an idiom meaning 'everywhere' (searching high and low), and literally to refer to people of all social ranks or to high and low positions/levels. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each use.
To express that someone searched everywhere, in every possible place.
Literally 'to search without leaving any nook or cranny'. A common, natural way to say 'search high and low'.
鍵をくまなく探した。
I searched high and low for my keys.
Literally 'to search from corner to corner'. Emphasizes thoroughness.
部屋を隅から隅まで探したけど、見つからなかった。
I searched the room high and low, but couldn't find it.
Means 'to search here and there'. A bit less intense than 'high and low', but very common.
あちこち探したけど、財布がない。
I searched high and low, but my wallet is missing.
Means 'to search around' or 'to hunt around'. Implies moving from place to place.
新しいアパートを探し回っている。
I'm searching high and low for a new apartment.
To refer to everyone from the highest to the lowest in society.
Literally 'old and young, men and women'. Used to mean 'everyone, regardless of age or gender', often implying all social strata.
その映画は老若男女に人気がある。
The movie is popular among people of all ages and walks of life.
Literally 'from top to bottom'. Can refer to social hierarchy or an organization.
会社の上から下までその噂を知っている。
Everyone in the company, high and low, knows that rumor.
Formal/literary: 'regardless of high or low status'. Used in contexts like 'open to all, regardless of rank'.
その学校は貴賤を問わず入学を許可した。
The school admitted students high and low, regardless of social standing.
To describe things that are physically high and low, or varying levels.
The direct translation for 'high and low' in a physical sense, such as terrain or pitch.
この土地は高低差が激しい。
This land has a lot of high and low differences.
Simply 'high and low' as adjectives. Used in casual descriptions.
棚の高い低いを調節してください。
Please adjust the high and low of the shelves.
The English idiom 'search high and low' should not be translated word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like 高く低く探す (takaku hikuku sagasu) are unnatural. Use the options above instead.