Japanese word

高等

Pronunciation

Romajikōtō

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveadvanced

Example

イルカは高等な動物です。i ru ka wa kō tō na dō butsu de su

Dolphins are advanced animals.

Illustration for 高等 (advanced)

More examples

大学では高等な数学を学びます。dai gaku de wa kō tō na sū gaku o mana bi ma su

At university, we study advanced mathematics.

Core concept

Marks a level that is higher than the usual standard and therefore more advanced or refined.

Common phrases

  • 高等教育kō tō kyō iku

    higher education

  • 高等な数学kō tō na sū gaku

    advanced mathematics

  • 高等な知識kō tō na chi shiki

    advanced knowledge

Similar words

高度kōdo: Describes a high level of skill, knowledge, or technical complexity.
上級jōkyū: Describes a level intended for people with well-developed skills or knowledge.
高級kōkyū: Describes goods, services, or settings associated with high quality and luxury.

Definition in Japanese

普通のものより程度や段階が上で、進歩した内容をもつさま。fu tsū no mo no yo ri tei do ya dan kai ga ue de shin po shi ta nai yō o mo tsu sa ma

Word origin

高等 (kōtō) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 高 (kō, "high") and 等 (tō, "rank"), so its literal structure points to a high rank or level.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 高等学校 (kōtō gakkō) is the formal Japanese name for high school, although it is commonly shortened to 高校 (kōkō) in everyday speech.

Other meanings

  • high-gradena-adjective
  • high-classna-adjective

Opposites

  • 初等shotōelementaryna-adjective

Word lists with this word