noun / measure word HSK 4
Traditional 級
level · grade · rank · class · step
Meaning
级 refers to a hierarchical level, grade, or rank in a system. It's used to denote classifications, stages, or tiers in everything from school grades to HSK test levels to stairs. It commonly appears in compound words that indicate ordered categories or rankings.
Usage
级 is extremely common in formal contexts and classification systems. It appears in words like 年级 (school grade), 等级 (level/rank), HSK级 (HSK level), and 台阶的级 (steps of stairs). When used as a measure word, it specifically counts steps, stairs, or hierarchical levels.
Examples
- 01我现在是HSK四级水平。.I'm currently at HSK Level 4.
- 02这座塔一共有十级台阶。.This pagoda has a total of ten steps.
Measure words
- 个一个等级
Common collocations
- 上一级the next level up
- 下一级the next level down
- 各级政府governments at all levels
- 一级一级step by step, level by level
Origin
The traditional form 級 shows the silk radical 糸, suggesting the idea of threads or layers arranged in order. The phonetic component helps indicate pronunciation.