層(そう)

そう
noun, suffix
layer, stratum; demographic segment
1. layer, stratum, level
A horizontal sheet or thickness of material, especially one of several lying on top of one another. Used in geology, architecture, and other fields.
地(ち)層(そう)が何層(なんそう)にも重(かさ)なっている。
The geological strata are layered many levels deep.
ケーキを三層(さんそう)に重(かさ)ねた。
I stacked the cake in three layers.
この岩(いわ)には化石(かせき)を含(ふく)む層(そう)がはっきりと見(み)える。
A stratum containing fossils is clearly visible in this rock.
2. demographic segment, group, class
A section of society or a category of people sharing common characteristics such as age, income, or interests. Often used as a suffix.
若(わか)い層(そう)に人気(にんき)がある。
It's popular among the younger demographic.
富裕(ふゆう)層(そう)をターゲットにした商品(しょうひん)だ。
It's a product targeting the wealthy class.
この番組(ばんぐみ)は幅広(はばひろ)い年齢層(ねんれいそう)に支持(しじ)されている。
This program is supported by a wide range of age groups.

USAGE:
As a standalone noun, 層(そう) most commonly refers to physical layers. As a suffix attached to demographic or social descriptors, it indicates a group or segment: 年齢層(ねんれいそう) (age group), 富裕層(ふゆうそう) (wealthy class), 若年層(じゃくねんそう) (young demographic).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 地層(ちそう): geological stratum
  • 年齢層(ねんれいそう): age group
  • 富裕層(ふゆうそう): wealthy class
  • 若年層(じゃくねんそう): young demographic
  • 高齢層(こうれいそう): elderly demographic
  • 中間層(ちゅうかんそう): middle class
  • ～層(そう)に人気(にんき): popular among ~ demographic
general
Added 2026.2.21 15:48
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