一 級(いっきゅう)

いっきゅう

noun

first grade (top level); first-rate

evaluation education

1. first grade; first class (the top level of a graded test or license)

The top level, or one of the top levels, in a graded system of tests and licenses. Often written 1級(きゅう).

英検(えいけん)一級(いっきゅう)に合格(ごうかく)した。

I passed Grade 1 of the Eiken English test.

一級(いっきゅう)建築士(けんちくし)の資格(しかく)を取(と)った。

I qualified as a first-class registered architect.

日本(にほん)の検定(けんてい)では数字(すうじ)が小(ちい)さいほどレベルが高(たか)く、一級(いっきゅう)が最上位(さいじょうい)のことが多(おお)い。

In Japanese proficiency tests, the smaller the number the higher the level, and Grade 1 is often the top.

2. first-rate; top-class

Of the highest quality or skill.

これは一級品(いっきゅうひん)だ。

This is top-quality merchandise.

彼(かれ)の料理(りょうり)の腕(うで)は一級(いっきゅう)だ。

His cooking skills are first-rate.

この映画(えいが)は子(こ)どもから大人(おとな)まで楽(たの)しめる一級(いっきゅう)のエンターテインメントだ。

This film is first-rate entertainment that both children and adults can enjoy.

Watch out

In Japanese tests and licenses (英検(えいけん), 漢検(かんけん), 簿記(ぼき)) the numbering runs downward: 3級(きゅう) is lower than 2級(きゅう), and 1級(きゅう) is the top, sometimes with 準(じゅん)1級(きゅう) (pre-1st grade) just below it. This is the reverse of school years.

Common collocations

一級(いっきゅう)建築士(けんちくし): first-class registered architect
一級品(いっきゅうひん): top-quality goods
一級(いっきゅう)河川(かせん): class-A river (a nationally managed river)
一級(いっきゅう)の腕前(うでまえ): first-rate skill

Similar words

一流(いちりゅう): first-rate; the usual word for top people, companies and hotels

Related Words

Compare: 一流(いちりゅう) (first-rate)

general

Added 2026.10.13 22:10 · Revised 2026.10.13 22:13

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