上級
jōkyū[d͡ʑo̞ːkʲɨː]
上級 (jōkyū) is the Japanese word for advanced.
上級 is used to refer to an advanced level of proficiency or skill in a particular field.
Meaning: involving greater complexity, more difficult, elaborate or specialized (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 上 (jō), meaning 'upper' or 'above' and 級 (kyū), meaning 'grade' or 'level'.
Which one should you use?
While 上級 (jōkyū) refers to a specific level or rank, it is distinct from 高度な (kōdo na), which is used for 'advanced' in the sense of highly sophisticated technology or complex concepts.
How do you pronounce it?
jōkyū
Did you know?
- The kanji 級 in 上級 is also used in the word 等級 (tōkyū), which refers to the grading of beef or the quality of produce in Japanese markets.
- The character 級 (kyū) in 上級 is the same one used to denote the 'kyu' ranks in martial arts and traditional music.
- In a school setting, the word 上級生 (jōkyūsei) means 'senior student' based on their year in school rather than their academic skill.
Examples in context
- 上級ユーザーになってくれたらいいのにな。I hope you become an advanced contributor.This sentence shows how to use 上級 to describe a user.Tatoeba #10796322 by small_snow, translation #10796357 by DJ_Saidez
- 上級者が英語力（特に読解力）をつけたければ、語彙を増やすのが王道ですね。If the more advanced want to improve English ability (especially reading comprehension) increasing vocabulary is the way to go.This sentence uses 上級者 to refer to people with advanced skills.Tatoeba #75247 by fcbond, translation #328472 by fcbond
- 彼女はカラテが上手ですShe is advanced in karate
- この大学では、高度な研究が行われています。This university conducts advanced research.
- 上級のクラスに入りたいです。Jōkyū no kurasu ni hairitai desu.I want to join an advanced class.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are discussing a language textbook.
- 陽太 Yotaこの本は難しすぎるかな？Kono hon wa muzukashisugiru kana?I wonder if this book is too difficult?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、これは上級レベルの内容だよ。Un, kore wa jōkyū reberu no naiyō dayo.Yeah, this is advanced level content.
- 陽太 Yotaやっぱり僕には早かったな。Yappari boku ni wa hayakatta na.I guess it was too soon for me after all.
- 結衣 Yuiまずは中級から始めてみようよ。Mazu wa chūkyū kara hajimete miyō yo.Let's start with the intermediate level first.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 上級, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
