阶级

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 社会分为不同的阶级。▶ —
   Society is divided into different classes.
2. 历史上存在阶级矛盾。▶ —
   Class conflict has existed throughout history.

Collocations

Mnemonic

阶 jiē "steps, rank" + 级 jí "grade, level": the grades of a staircase, i.e. a (social) class. Same as the Korean word gye-geup (階級). A large group divided by socioeconomic standing (社会阶级 social classes, 阶级矛盾 class conflict). Common in political and social theory, with strong connotations of opposition and struggle. Where 阶层 (stratum) is more fine-grained and neutral, 阶级 carries the sense of large opposing groups. 阶 means "steps, rank" (台阶, 阶段); 级 means "grade" (等级, 年级).

Related

Quick check

1. What is the nuance of 阶级 versus 阶层?

   • large groups with overtones of opposition
   • a fine-grained, neutral stratum
   • a daily routine
   • weather change