高める

たかめる · takameru · JLPT N3 · verb-ichidan

to boost

📈 高 (high) + める (make) = make it high: to raise or boost

Built on 高い (takai, high). Cut the い and add める to get a verb meaning to make something higher. Compare 深い → 深める (deepen) and 強い → 強める (strengthen). It's used for abstract things too: 能力を高める means to boost one's ability.

高 — pictograph of a tall building/tower
高 is a pictograph of a tall structure, likely a watchtower or multi-story gate, with a roof on top, an upper chamber, and a base below. From this concrete image of height it extended to the general meanings 'tall,' 'high,' and figuratively 'lofty' or 'noble.'

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