Translation guide
Describes a sound that is high in frequency, like a whistle or a child's voice. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is 高い (たかい), but other words like 甲高い (かんだかい) or キンキン (kinkin) add nuance. This guide covers natural ways to describe high-pitched sounds in various contexts.
Describing a voice, note, or sound that is high in pitch.
The most basic and versatile word for 'high-pitched'. Can be used for voices, musical notes, and other sounds. Often combined with 声 (こえ, voice) or 音 (おと, sound).
彼女は声が高い。
She has a high-pitched voice.
その笛の音はとても高い。
The sound of that whistle is very high-pitched.
Means 'shrill' or 'piercingly high-pitched'. Often used for voices or sounds that are uncomfortably high. Has a slightly negative nuance.
子供の甲高い声が響いた。
A child's shrill voice echoed.
An onomatopoeic word for a sharp, high-pitched ringing or piercing sound, like tinnitus or a loud alarm. Often used in casual speech.
耳がキンキンする。
My ears are ringing (with a high-pitched sound).
Focusing on the pitch of a person's voice.
The standard way to say someone has a high-pitched voice. Note that 声 (こえ) means 'voice', and 高い (たかい) means 'high'.
彼は声が高くて、電話で女性と間違えられる。
His voice is so high-pitched that he's mistaken for a woman on the phone.
Refers to 'falsetto', a high-pitched voice produced by a specific vocal technique. Not just any high voice, but a deliberate, often breathy high register.
歌手は裏声で高い音を出した。
The singer hit a high note in falsetto.
Describing a note that is high on the musical scale.
Literally 'high sound'. The most common way to refer to a high-pitched note in music.
この曲は高い音が多い。
This song has a lot of high notes.
A more technical term for 'high note' or 'treble'. Used in musical contexts.
彼は高音が苦手だ。
He struggles with high notes.
Emphasizing that the sound is irritatingly high.
Means 'harsh on the ears' or 'grating'. Often used for high-pitched sounds that are unpleasant. It's an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., 音).
その警報は耳障りな高い音だった。
The alarm was a grating, high-pitched sound.
Onomatopoeia for a squeaky, high-pitched noise, like a mouse or a poorly oiled machine. Casual.
ドアがキーキー鳴る。
The door squeaks (with a high-pitched sound).