1.
high mountain; alpine mountain
A mountain of great height, typically above the tree line. Used in geography, ecology, and mountaineering contexts.
高山に登るのは危険だ。
Climbing high mountains is dangerous.
高山植物は厳しい環境に適応している。
Alpine plants have adapted to harsh environments.
この地域には標高三千メートルを超える高山がいくつもある。
There are several high mountains exceeding 3,000 meters in altitude in this region.
A compound of 高 (high) and 山 (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, 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 in Gifu Prefecture uses a different reading.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 高山植物: alpine plants
- 高山病: altitude sickness
- 高山地帯: alpine zone
- 高山気候: alpine climate
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 山岳: mountains, mountainous terrain — emphasizes rugged mountain landscape rather than height
- 山: mountain — the general everyday word