段階(だんかい)

段階(だんかい) refers to a distinct level or phase within a process, development, or sequence. Composed of 段(だん) (step, level) + 階(かい) (tier, story).

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

• 段階(だんかい)を踏(ふ)む: to go step by step, to follow the proper stages
• 最終(さいしゅう)段階(だんかい): final stage
• 初期(しょき)段階(だんかい): initial stage
• 次(つぎ)の段階(だんかい): next phase
• 現段階(げんだんかい)では: at the current stage
• 段階(だんかい)的(てき)に: gradually, in stages

USAGE:
Often used with に to describe when in a process something occurs: この段階(だんかい)で判断(はんだん)するのは早(はや)い (it's too early to judge at this stage). Also used as a modifier: 段階(だんかい)的(てき)な導入(どうにゅう) (phased introduction).

RELATED WORDS:

• 過程(かてい): process (the whole sequence, not a single point)
• ステップ: step (loanword, more casual)
• フェーズ: phase (loanword, common in business)
• 局面(きょくめん): phase, situation (often for critical turning points)