Translation and Meaning of: 段 - dan

The Japanese word 段[だん] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries meanings and uses that go beyond the basics. Whether you are a Japanese learner or someone curious about the language, understanding this word can open doors to more precise communication and even to interesting cultural insights. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which 段 is used, as well as practical tips for memorizing it.

Have you ever wondered how the Japanese use 段 in everyday life? Or why it appears in so many different contexts, from stairs to skill levels? Here, we will answer these questions and more, always based on reliable sources and real examples. If you are looking to truly learn Japanese, the Suki Nihongo dictionary is a great tool to complement your studies.

Meaning and uses of 段

段 is a versatile term that can mean "step," "level," or "stage," depending on the context. In everyday situations, it is often used to refer to steps of stairs, as in the phrase 階段の段[かいだんのだん] (the steps of the stairs). But its usage does not stop there. In martial arts, for example, 段 indicates the skill level of a practitioner, as in 初段[しょだん] (first dan).

Additionally, 段 also appears in expressions like 一段落[いちだんらく], which means "a pause" or "a break." This variety of meanings shows how the word is rooted in different aspects of Japanese life, from the physical to the abstract. If you are learning Japanese, paying attention to these contexts can help you fix the vocabulary more naturally.

Origin and writing of the kanji 段

The kanji 段 is composed of the radical 殳 (which indicates action related to strikes or movements) and the component 旦 (which refers to "dawn" or "surface"). This combination suggests the idea of "steps" or "divisions," which makes sense considering its current meanings. The origin of the kanji is linked to the notion of segmentation, whether in physical steps or in abstract stages.

It is worth noting that 段 is not one of the more complex kanji, but its pronunciation can vary in compounds. For example, in 手段[しゅだん] (means, method), the reading changes to だん, while in 段階[だんかい] (phase, stage), it remains the same. These variations are common in Japanese and emphasize the importance of studying kanji in context, not in isolation.

Tips for memorizing and using 段

An effective way to memorize 段 is to associate it with concrete images. Think of a staircase: each step is a 段, and going up or down represents progress or regression. This visual analogy can help reinforce the main meaning of the word. Another tip is to practice with everyday sentences, like この段を上がってください[このだんをあがってください] ("Please, go up this step").

Additionally, 段 is often used in contexts of learning and development. If you practice any sport or martial art, you may have heard of "dan levels," as in judo or karate. This connection with practical activities can make learning more meaningful. Remember: the more you relate the word to real situations, the easier it will be to recall it when you need it.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 階段 (kaidan) - Stairs
• 段階 (dankai) - Stage or level in a process
• レベル (reberu) - Level, used in contexts of skill or graduation
• 層 (sou) - Layer, or stratum, can refer to layers in a structure.
• 節 (setsu) - Section or division can refer to a junction point in something.

段

Romaji: dan
Kana: だん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: step; ladder; flight of steps; degree; classification; level

Meaning in English: step;stair;flight of steps;grade;rank;level

Definition: Something that has a certain length and width and is divided into independent compacts.

Example Sentences - (段) dan

See below some example sentences:

この商品の値段は500円以内です。

Kono shouhin no nedan wa gohyaku en inai desu

The price of this product is up to 500 yen.

The price of this product is within 500 yen.

• この商品の値段は - indicates the subject of the sentence, which is the price of the product in question
• 500円 - the value of the product price
• 以内 - means "within" or "up to", indicating that the price does not exceed 500円
• です - is a sentence-ending particle, indicating that the information is a statement

モノレールは便利な交通手段です。

Monorēru wa benri na kōtsū shudan desu

The monorail is a convenient means of transport.

• モノレール - Monorail
• は - Topic particle
• 便利 - convenient
• な - adjectival suffix
• 交通 - Traffic
• 手段 - Quite
• です - Polite way of "being"

値段が高いです。

nedan ga takai desu

The price is high.

• 値段 - price
• が - subject particle
• 高い - expensive
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

打撃は強力な攻撃手段です。

Dageki wa kyōryoku na kōgeki shudan desu

Knock is a powerful mean attack.

• 打撃 - means "blow" or "physical attack".
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 強力な - adjective meaning "powerful" or "strong."
• 攻撃手段 - means "means of attack" or "way of attacking".
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

普段からありがとう。

Fudan kara arigatou

Thank you

Thank you usually.

• 普段 - It means "usually" or "routinely."
• から - It means "from" or "since".
• ありがとう - It means "thank you" or "grateful."

段階を踏んで成功する。

Dankai wo funde seikou suru

O sucesso vem através de dar passos.

Success rising on stage.

• 段階 (dan-kai) - Stage, phase
• を (wo) - object particle
• 踏んで (funde) - Step, keep moving forward
• 成功 (seikou) - Success
• する (suru) - Verb "to do"

私鉄は都市部でよく使われる交通手段です。

Shitetsu wa toshibu de yoku tsukawareru kotsu shudan desu

Private railways are the commonly used transport in urban areas.

• 私鉄 - private railways
• は - Topic particle
• 都市部 - urban areas
• で - Location particle
• よく - often
• 使われる - to be used
• 交通手段 - means of transport
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

輸送手段を確保する必要がある。

Yusō shudan o kakuho suru hitsuyō ga aru

It is necessary to guarantee means of transport.

• 輸送 (yusō) - Transport
• 手段 (shudan) - Quite
• を (o) - direct object particle
• 確保する (kakuho suru) - guarantee
• 必要がある (hitsuyō ga aru) - Is required