1.
social class; class system
A division of society based on social or economic status.
社会の階級構造を研究する。
To research the class structure of society.
2.
rank; grade (military)
A level in a hierarchy, especially in military or martial arts.
軍の階級は何ですか?
What is your military rank?
ボクシングの階級を変える。
To change boxing weight class.
階級 means class, rank, or grade in various hierarchies.
SOCIAL CLASS:
- 労働者階級: working class
- 中産階級: middle class
- 上流階級: upper class
- 支配階級: ruling class
- 階級社会: class society
- 階級闘争: class struggle
MILITARY RANKS:
- 将校階級: officer ranks
- 下士官階級: non-commissioned officer ranks
- 階級章: rank insignia
SPORTS (WEIGHT CLASS):
- ボクシングの階級: boxing weight class
- ヘビー級: heavyweight
- ライト級: lightweight
- 階級を上げる: to move up a weight class
RELATED WORDS:
- 等級: grade, class, rank
- 身分: social status
- ランク: rank (loanword)