Translation guide
Expressing that something is expensive or costs a lot. Japanese has several common words and phrases for 'high price', ranging from neutral to formal. The most natural choice depends on context and register.
To say that something costs a lot of money in a neutral or everyday sense.
The most common and versatile word for 'expensive' or 'high price'. Can be used for goods, services, and abstract costs.
Literally 'the price is high'. A slightly more explicit way to say something is expensive.
この店は値段が高い。
This store has high prices.
A more formal adjective meaning 'high-priced' or 'costly'. Often used in written descriptions or formal speech.
高価な宝石を買った。
I bought an expensive jewel.
Refers to a large amount of money, often used for prices, fees, or payments. Common in news and formal contexts.
高額の医療費がかかった。
It incurred high medical expenses.
To emphasize that a price is unreasonably or shockingly high.
Means 'exorbitant' or 'outrageous'. Used when a price is far beyond what is reasonable.
そのレストランは法外な値段を請求した。
That restaurant charged an outrageous price.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'ridiculously expensive' or 'absurdly high'.
このホテル、とんでもなく高いよ。
This hotel is ridiculously expensive.
Slang for a rip-off or price gouging. Used when you feel cheated by a high price.
Can sound accusatory; use carefully.
To describe a price that is high because of superior quality or luxury status.
Means 'high-class' or 'luxury'. Implies high price due to quality or brand.
高級な時計が欲しい。
I want a high-end watch.
Loanword 'premium price'. Often used in marketing or business contexts.
この商品はプレミアム価格で販売されている。
This product is sold at a premium price.
To talk about prices becoming higher over time.
Noun meaning 'price increase' or 'rise in price'.
最近、食品の値上がりが続いている。
Recently, food prices have been rising continuously.
While '高い値段' (takai nedan) is grammatically correct, it is often redundant. Simply '高い' (takai) is more natural when the context is clear. Use '値段が高い' only when you need to emphasize the price itself.
高い is the everyday word for 'expensive'. 高価な is more formal and often used in writing. 高額 refers specifically to a large sum of money and is common in financial contexts.
あの店はぼったくりだ。
That store is a rip-off.
Formal term for 'price increase' or 'inflation', often used in economic news.
物価上昇が家計を圧迫している。
Rising prices are putting pressure on household budgets.