Japanese word

高原

Pronunciation

Romajikōgen

Meaning

  • nounplateau

Example

夏は高原が涼しいです。natsu wa kō gen ga suzu shi i de su

The plateau is cool in summer.

Illustration for 高原 (plateau)

More examples

秋の高原では、夕日が山々を赤く染めます。aki no kō gen de wa yū hi ga yama yama o aka ku so me ma su

In autumn, the setting sun colors the mountains red over the plateau.

Core concept

Describes a broad, level area of land that stands higher than the surrounding terrain.

Common phrases

  • 高原に行くkō gen ni i ku

    go to the plateau

  • 高原の空気kō gen no kū ki

    air on the plateau

  • 高原で暮らすkō gen de ku ra su

    live on the plateau

Similar words

高地kōchi: Land at a relatively high elevation, including mountainous or upland areas.
台地daichi: A broad, level area of land raised above the surrounding ground.

Definition in Japanese

周囲より高く、広く平らな土地。shū i yo ri taka ku hiro ku tai ra na to chi

Word origin

The word 高原 (kōgen) combines 高 (kō, "high") and 原 (gen, "field or plain"), indicating elevated open land.

Usage tips

  • In English, plateau also describes a stage at which growth or progress levels off, extending the physical image of a high, flat surface into an abstract use.

Other meanings

  • highlandnoun

Opposites

  • 低地teichilowlandnoun

Word lists with this word