When learning Japanese, one of the most fundamental aspects to grasp is the use of adjectives, as they are essential for describing the world around us. Two very common adjectives in Japanese that every learner should know are 高い (たかい, takai) and 安い (やすい, yasui), which mean expensive and cheap, respectively. These words are not just useful in everyday conversation but also provide insight into the structure and use of adjectives in the Japanese language.
Understanding 高い (Takai) – Expensive
The adjective 高い (たかい, takai) is used to describe things that are costly or have a high price. However, it also has another meaning: tall or high. This dual meaning can be confusing for beginners, so context is crucial.
### Usage in Sentences
1. **Expensive:**
– このカメラは高いです。 (この カメラ は たかい です。) – This camera is expensive.
– その時計はとても高い。 (その とけい は とても たかい。) – That watch is very expensive.
2. **Tall/High:**
– あのビルは高いです。 (あの ビル は たかい です。) – That building is tall.
– 彼はとても高い人です。 (かれ は とても たかい ひと です。) – He is a very tall person.
As you can see, 高い can be used to describe both the price of an object and the height of an object or person. The meaning is usually clear from the context, but if there’s any ambiguity, additional information is often provided.
### Kanji Breakdown
– **高 (たか, taka)**: This kanji means “tall” or “high.”
– **い (i)**: This is the adjectival ending in Japanese.
Together, 高い forms an i-adjective, which means it follows specific rules for conjugation that we will cover later.
Understanding 安い (Yasui) – Cheap
The adjective 安い (やすい, yasui) is used to describe things that are inexpensive or have a low price. Unlike 高い, 安い does not have multiple meanings, making it simpler to use.
### Usage in Sentences
– このシャツは安いです。 (この シャツ は やすい です。) – This shirt is cheap.
– そのレストランは安い食べ物があります。 (その レストラン は やすい たべもの が あります。) – That restaurant has cheap food.
### Kanji Breakdown
– **安 (やす, yasu)**: This kanji means “cheap” or “inexpensive.”
– **い (i)**: This is the adjectival ending in Japanese.
Like 高い, 安い is also an i-adjective, and it follows the same rules for conjugation.
Conjugating 高い and 安い
Understanding how to conjugate adjectives in Japanese is crucial for forming correct sentences. Both 高い and 安い are i-adjectives, which means they follow the same pattern of conjugation.
### Present Affirmative
– 高い (たかい, takai) – Expensive/tall
– 安い (やすい, yasui) – Cheap
### Present Negative
– 高くない (たかく ない, takakunai) – Not expensive/tall
– 安くない (やすく ない, yasukunai) – Not cheap
### Past Affirmative
– 高かった (たかかった, takakatta) – Was expensive/tall
– 安かった (やすかった, yasukatta) – Was cheap
### Past Negative
– 高くなかった (たかく なかった, takakunakatta) – Was not expensive/tall
– 安くなかった (やすく なかった, yasukunakatta) – Was not cheap
### Example Sentences in Different Tenses
1. **Present Affirmative:**
– その本は高いです。 (その ほん は たかい です。) – That book is expensive.
– このペンは安いです。 (この ペン は やすい です。) – This pen is cheap.
2. **Present Negative:**
– その本は高くないです。 (その ほん は たかく ない です。) – That book is not expensive.
– このペンは安くないです。 (この ペン は やすく ない です。) – This pen is not cheap.
3. **Past Affirmative:**
– そのホテルは高かったです。 (その ホテル は たかかった です。) – That hotel was expensive.
– この店は安かったです。 (この みせ は やすかった です。) – This store was cheap.
4. **Past Negative:**
– そのホテルは高くなかったです。 (その ホテル は たかく なかった です。) – That hotel was not expensive.
– この店は安くなかったです。 (この みせ は やすく なかった です。) – This store was not cheap.
Practical Usage and Cultural Context
When using 高い and 安い, it is important to understand the cultural nuances. In Japan, discussing the price of items can sometimes be seen as impolite, especially in formal settings. However, among friends or in casual conversations, it is perfectly acceptable to talk about prices.
### Bargaining in Japan
Unlike in some countries where bargaining is common, in Japan, prices are usually fixed. However, in certain markets or second-hand shops, you might be able to negotiate a lower price. In such cases, knowing how to use 高い and 安い can be very useful.
– この価格は高いと思います。 (この かかく は たかい と おもいます。) – I think this price is high.
– もう少し安くなりませんか？ (もう すこし やすく なりません か？) – Can you make it a little cheaper?
### Complimenting and Criticizing
Using 高い and 安い can also extend to complimenting or criticizing products and services.
– このバッグは高いけど、とても良いです。 (この バッグ は たかい けど、とても よい です。) – This bag is expensive, but it’s very good.
– この靴は安いけど、品質が悪いです。 (この くつ は やすい けど、ひんしつ が わるい です。) – These shoes are cheap, but the quality is bad.
Comparative and Superlative Forms
In Japanese, forming comparative and superlative sentences is straightforward. For 高い and 安い, you use the words より (yori) for “more than” and いちばん (ichiban) for “the most.”
### Comparative Form
– この車はあの車より高いです。 (この くるま は あの くるま より たかい です。) – This car is more expensive than that car.
– この本はその本より安いです。 (この ほん は その ほん より やすい です。) – This book is cheaper than that book.
### Superlative Form
– この店でこのバッグがいちばん高いです。 (この みせ で この バッグ が いちばん たかい です。) – This bag is the most expensive in this store.
– このレストランがいちばん安いです。 (この レストラン が いちばん やすい です。) – This restaurant is the cheapest.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even though 高い and 安い are straightforward, learners often make mistakes with their usage and conjugation. Here are some common pitfalls and tips to avoid them.
### Mixing Up Meanings
Remember that 高い can mean both “expensive” and “tall.” Ensure the context makes it clear which meaning is intended.
– Incorrect: このリンゴは高いです。 (この リンゴ は たかい です。) – This apple is tall. (Incorrect if you mean expensive)
– Correct: このリンゴは高いです。 (この リンゴ は たかい です。) – This apple is expensive.
### Incorrect Conjugation
Always ensure you follow the correct conjugation rules for i-adjectives.
– Incorrect: その本は高いくないです。 (その ほん は たかいく ない です。)
– Correct: その本は高くないです。 (その ほん は たかく ない です。)
### Cultural Sensitivity
Be mindful of the cultural context when discussing prices. In formal settings, it’s often better to avoid discussing money directly.
– Instead of saying: これは高いです。 (これは たかい です。) – This is expensive.
– You could say: これは価値があります。 (これは かち が あります。) – This has value.
Conclusion
Understanding and using 高い (たかい, takai) and 安い (やすい, yasui) are fundamental skills for any Japanese language learner. These adjectives are not only useful for everyday conversation but also provide a window into the culture and etiquette of Japan. By mastering their usage, conjugation, and cultural context, you can communicate more effectively and understand Japanese society better.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Try using these adjectives in various sentences and contexts to become more comfortable with them. Happy learning!
