級

きゅう
noun
grade; rank; class (level)
1. grade; rank; class (level)
A graded level of skill or quality. As a suffix it marks ranks in proficiency tests and martial arts, or a class within a category.
漢字検定(かんじけんてい)の二級(にきゅう)に合格(ごうかく)した。
I passed level 2 of the Kanji Kentei.
柔道(じゅうどう)では茶帯(ちゃおび)が一級(いっきゅう)だ。
In judo, a brown belt is first kyu.
この大会(たいかい)は体重(たいじゅう)ごとに級(きゅう)が分(わ)かれている。
In this tournament the classes are divided by body weight.

In ranking systems 級(きゅう) sits below 段(だん) (dan); the numbers count down as skill rises, so 一級(いっきゅう) is the highest kyu, just before reaching dan ranks.

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

  • 上級(じょうきゅう): advanced level
  • 初級(しょきゅう): beginner level
  • 高級(こうきゅう): high-class, luxury
  • 同級生(どうきゅうせい): a classmate (same grade)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 段(だん): the rank above 級(きゅう) in martial arts and board games
  • 等級(とうきゅう): a grade or rating, often for quality or price
general
Added 2026.5.26 13:08
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