高山(こうざん)

A compound of 高(こう) (high) and 山(ざん) (mountain). Generally refers to mountains above approximately 2,500 meters in Japan, where the tree line gives way to alpine vegetation. Japan's highest peak, 富士山(ふじさん), stands at 3,776 meters.

Note: The reading こうざん refers to high mountains as a geographical category. The city name 高山(たかやま) in Gifu Prefecture uses a different reading.

Common collocations

• 高山(こうざん)植物(しょくぶつ): alpine plants
• 高山(こうざん)病(びょう): altitude sickness
• 高山(こうざん)地帯(ちたい): alpine zone
• 高山(こうざん)気候(きこう): alpine climate

Similar words

• 山岳(さんがく): mountains, mountainous terrain — emphasizes rugged mountain landscape rather than height
• 山(やま): mountain — the general everyday word