1.
social class; stratum
A level or rank within a social hierarchy. Used to discuss social stratification, economic classes, and demographic groups.
社会の階層が固定化している。
Social classes are becoming rigid.
所得階層によって生活スタイルが異なる。
Lifestyles differ depending on income class.
格差が広がり、階層間の移動が難しくなってきた。
The gap has widened, and moving between social classes has become more difficult.
2.
layer; tier; level
A level within a structured system, such as floors of a building, layers in computing, or tiers of an organization.
データを階層構造で整理する。
To organize data in a hierarchical structure.
管理職は組織の上位階層に位置する。
Management is positioned in the upper tier of the organization.
このビルは地下2階から地上30階まで複数の階層に分かれている。
This building is divided into multiple levels from two basement floors to 30 above-ground floors.
USAGE:
階層 is used across many domains: sociology (社会階層), computing (階層構造), architecture, and organizational theory.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 社会階層 (social class/stratum)
- 所得階層 (income class)
- 階層構造 (hierarchical structure)
- 上位/下位階層 (upper/lower tier)
HOMOPHONES:
Several words share the reading かいそう but have different meanings:
- 回想: reminiscence
- 改装: renovation
- 海藻: seaweed