Translation guide
In Japanese, a high-rise building is most commonly referred to as 高層ビル (こうそうビル). There are also more specific terms for skyscrapers, tall apartment buildings, and formal architectural contexts.
高層ビル
high-rise building
Referring to any tall building with many floors, typically in a city.
The most common and neutral term for a high-rise building. It combines 高層 (high-rise) and ビル (building). Used in everyday conversation and writing.
あの高層ビルはオフィスがたくさん入っています。
That high-rise building has many offices.
東京には高層ビルが多い。
There are many high-rise buildings in Tokyo.
A more formal or technical term for high-rise architecture or a high-rise structure. Often used in news or architectural contexts.
この地域では高層建築が制限されています。
High-rise construction is restricted in this area.
Refers specifically to a skyscraper or super-tall building, typically over 100 meters. Used when emphasizing extreme height.
その超高層ビルは高さが300メートルある。
That skyscraper is 300 meters tall.
Specifically a tall residential building with many units.
The standard term for a high-rise condominium or apartment building. マンション in Japanese typically refers to a modern, multi-unit residential building.
高層マンションの最上階に住んでいます。
I live on the top floor of a high-rise apartment building.
Literally 'tower mansion', this refers to a high-rise luxury apartment building, often with a distinctive tower-like shape. Common in real estate contexts.
最近、駅前にタワーマンションが建った。
A tower apartment building was recently built in front of the station.
Emphasizing extreme height, often iconic or landmark buildings.
A literary or poetic term for a skyscraper, literally 'sky-scraping tower'. Often used in metaphors or dramatic descriptions.
ニューヨークの摩天楼を見上げた。
I looked up at the skyscrapers of New York.
ビル (building) generally refers to commercial or office buildings, while マンション refers to residential apartment buildings. A high-rise office building is 高層ビル, and a high-rise apartment is 高層マンション. Using ビル for an apartment building can sound unnatural.
このビルはオフィス専用です。
This building is for offices only.
このマンションは分譲です。
This apartment building is for sale (condominiums).
While 高いビル means 'tall building', it does not specifically mean 'high-rise building' as a category. Use 高層ビル for the concept of a high-rise. 高いビル simply describes any building that is tall.
あの高いビルは何ですか？
What is that tall building?
新宿の高層ビルで働いています。
I work in a high-rise building in Shinjuku.
高層ビルが街の景観を変えた。
High-rise buildings have changed the city skyline.