Translation and Meaning of: 等級 - toukyuu

The Japanese word 等級 (とうきゅう) is a term that frequently appears in contexts of classification, hierarchy, and evaluation. If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in Japanese culture, understanding its meaning, use, and nuances can be quite helpful. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is written, in what situations it is applied, and some curiosities about its use in everyday Japanese.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 等級, we will explore its origin and how it relates to cultural and social aspects of Japan. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your knowledge, Suki Nihongo offers detailed explanations about terms like this, helping students and enthusiasts master the language more easily.

The meaning and use of 等級 (とうきゅう)

等級 is composed of the kanjis 等 (とう), which means "class" or "grade", and 級 (きゅう), which refers to "level" or "rank". Together, they form a word that describes a classification system based on categories or degrees. This term is widely used in various fields, such as education, commercial products, and even skill assessments.

In Japan, it is common to find 等級 on food labels, hotel ratings, and even in professional promotion systems. For example, wines and sakes may have their qualities indicated by 等級, while martial arts schools use the term to define ranks or skill levels. Its use is so widespread that it has become an essential part of everyday language in both formal and informal contexts.

The origin and evolution of the word

The combination of the kanjis 等 and 級 is not recent, but its modern application reflects the Japanese appreciation for organization and hierarchy. Historically, the concept of classification has always been important in Japanese society, whether in the division of positions, the evaluation of products, or the structuring of social groups. The word 等級 emerges as a way to systematize this need for ordering.

Although there are no exact records of when 等級 began to be used, its presence in ancient documents and evaluation systems suggests that it was already employed during the Edo period. Over time, the term became established in the Japanese vocabulary, especially in environments where accuracy and categorization are essential.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 等級 is to associate it with practical situations. For example, think about how products are classified in supermarkets or how schools evaluate students' performance. This connection with real-life examples helps to internalize not only the meaning but also the context in which the word is applied.

Another useful tip is to practice writing the kanjis that make up 等級. Noticing that 等 refers to "equality within a category" and 級 to "gradual levels" can help in understanding the term as a whole. Additionally, listening to native Japanese speakers using the word in conversations or TV shows can reinforce your learning in a natural way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• ランク (Ranku) - Classification or level in a hierarchy system.
• グレード (Gureedo) - Level or degree, often used for categories of quality.
• レベル (Reberu) - Level in terms of skill or knowledge, more focused on stages or degrees of proficiency.

等級

Romaji: toukyuu
Kana: とうきゅう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Grid; class

Meaning in English: grade;class

Definition: A classification or ranked position based on certain criteria.

Example Sentences - (等級) toukyuu

See below some example sentences:

私の等級は高いです。

Watashi no tōkyū wa takai desu

My level is high.

My grade is high.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
• 等級 - noun that means "classification" or "level"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• 高い - adjective that means "high" or "elevated"
• です - verb to be in polite form, equivalent to "is"