高低(こうてい)

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.