高低(こうてい)

こうてい
noun
high and low; rise and fall; elevation difference
1. high and low; elevation difference; unevenness
The difference in height or level between two or more things. Used for terrain, sound pitch, numbers, and other measurable quantities.
高低(こうてい)差(さ)が激(はげ)しい。
The elevation difference is extreme.
音(おと)の高低(こうてい)を聞(き)き分(わ)ける。
To distinguish between high and low sounds.
このコースは高低(こうてい)差(さ)が大(おお)きいので、初心者(しょしんしゃ)には向(む)かない。
This course has a large elevation change, so it's not suitable for beginners.

Compound of 高(こう) (high) + 低(てい) (low). A common pattern in Japanese where two opposite kanji form a compound meaning the range or variation between the two extremes.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 高低(こうてい)差(さ): elevation difference, height differential
  • 音(おと)の高低(こうてい): pitch (of sound)
  • 気温(きおん)の高低(こうてい): temperature highs and lows
  • 高低(こうてい)のある地形(ちけい): terrain with elevation changes

SIMILAR COMPOUNDS:

  • 上下(じょうげ): up and down — refers to vertical direction or position
  • 強弱(きょうじゃく): strong and weak — variation in strength or intensity
  • 大小(だいしょう): large and small — variation in size
  • 長短(ちょうたん): long and short — variation in length

NOTE ON HOMOPHONES:
高低(こうてい) shares its reading with several other words including 工程(こうてい) (process), 校庭(こうてい) (schoolyard), and 皇帝(こうてい) (emperor). Context makes the meaning clear.

general
Added 2026.4.3 0:23
21500/21533_koutei