Translation and Meaning of: 級 - kyuu

The Japanese word 級[きゅう] is a versatile term that appears in various contexts, from skill assessments to rankings in sports and martial arts. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about how this word is used in everyday life, this article will explore its meaning, origin, and practical applications. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and helpful explanations for those who want to master the language naturally.

Meaning and use of 級[きゅう]

The term 級[きゅう] is often translated as "level" or "degree" and is used to indicate rankings in various areas. For example, in martial arts such as judo or karate, practitioners advance from 級 as they improve their skills. Additionally, in proficiency exams such as the JLPT, the levels are referred to as 級 in some more informal contexts.

Another common use is in competitions or rankings, where 級 can refer to categories based on performance. If someone says "彼は1級の実力がある" (He has first-level skill), they are highlighting a competence above average. This flexibility makes the word essential for those who want to understand hierarchies and evaluations in Japan.

Origin and writing of the kanji 級

The kanji 級 is composed of the radical 糸 (thread, line) and the component 及 (to reach). This combination suggests the idea of "reaching a level" or "being classified in a hierarchical line." Historically, the character was used in military and bureaucratic contexts to designate positions or categories, later evolving to broader uses.

It is worth noting that although 級 is often associated with rankings, it does not carry a negative sense of superiority or inferiority. In Japan, being of a specific 級 is seen as a milestone of progress, not as a direct competition between individuals. This cultural nuance is important to avoid misunderstandings when using the word.

Tips for memorizing and using 級 correctly

An effective way to remember 級 is to associate it with concrete situations, such as ranking systems in martial arts or exam levels. Phrases like "The N1 of the JLPT was called 1級 in the past" help to understand its real use. Another tip is to practice with examples of rankings in hobbies, like chess or shogi, where 級 is also common.

Furthermore, paying attention to frequent combinations, such as 上級 (advanced level) or 初級 (beginner level), can naturally expand your vocabulary. Avoid confusing 級 with 段 (dan), another term for levels, but which generally indicates higher grades in certain disciplines. This distinction is crucial for sounding precise in conversations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 等級 (とうきゅう) - Level or class within a hierarchy.
• グレード (ぐれーど) - Classification or grade, usually used in evaluation contexts or in school systems.
• レベル (れべる) - Level or tier, often used in contexts of skills or competition.
• 程度 (ていど) - Degree or extent of something, used to express the intensity or limit of a characteristic.
• 階級 (かいきゅう) - Class or position in a social or organizational hierarchy.

級

Romaji: kyuu
Kana: きゅう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: class classification; school class grade

Meaning in English: class grade rank;school class grade

Definition: lesson. classification.

Example Sentences - (級) kyuu

See below some example sentences:

私たちは階級制度を廃止する必要があると信じています。

Watashitachi wa kaikyū seido o haishi suru hitsuyō ga aru to shinjite imasu

We believe we need to abolish the class system.

We believe we need to abolish the class system.

• 私たちは - We
• 階級制度 - class system
• を - object particle
• 廃止する - abolish
• 必要がある - be necessary
• と - Quote particle
• 信じています - believe

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"

尉官は軍隊の上級将校です。

Yuukan wa guntai no joukyuu shoukou desu

An officer is a senior officer of the armed forces.

The captain is a senior army officer.

• 尉官 - official
• は - Topic particle
• 軍隊 - army
• の - Possession particle
• 上級 - superior
• 将校 - official
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

このホテルは高級な設備とサービスを提供しています。

Kono hoteru wa kōkyūna setsubi to sābisu o teikyō shite imasu

This hotel offers luxury equipment and services.

• このホテル - "this hotel"
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 高級な - "Luxurious" in Japanese, with the suffix "na" indicating an adjective.
• 設備 - "Installations" in Japanese
• と - Particle that indicates "and" in Japanese
• サービス - "Services" in Japanese
• を - Particle that indicates the direct object in Japanese
• 提供しています - "Oferece" in Japanese, with the suffix "teiru" indicating continuous action and the verb "teikyou" meaning "to provide"

私は日本語の級を受けたいです。

Watashi wa Nihongo no kyuu wo uketai desu

I want to take a Japanese course.

I want to receive a Japanese class.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 日本語 (nihongo) - noun meaning "Japanese" or "Japanese language"
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between nouns
• 級 (kyuu) - noun that means "level" or "class"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 受けたい (uketai) - verb in the desiderative form that means "to want to do" or "to wish to receive"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the sentence

私の学級はとても楽しいです。

Watashi no gakkyū wa totemo tanoshii desu

My classroom is a lot of fun.

My class is really fun.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 学級 - noun that means "class" or "group"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 楽しい - adjective that means "fun" or "pleasant"
• です - linking verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the present

私の同級生はとても親切です。

Watashi no doukyuusei wa totemo shinsetsu desu

My classmates are very kind.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
• 同級生 - noun that means "classmate"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 親切 - adjective that means "kind, gentle"
• です - verb "to be" in the present, equivalent to "is"

私の身分は中流階級です。

Watashi no mibun wa chuuryuu kaikyuu desu

My status is a middle class.

• 私の身分 - "My social position"
• は - Topic particle
• 中流階級 - "Middle class"
• です - Polite form of "to be"