エシュロン
eshuron
The English word 'echelon' can be expressed in Japanese as エシュロン (eshuron).
To describe the hierarchical structure or levels within an organization or society, the term 階層 is used. For referring to levels or steps within a system, one might use 階, though this term is also frequently used to denote physical levels such as floors in a building.
Meaning: level or rank (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
eshuron
Did you know?
- The loanword エシュロン is rarely used for general hierarchy. In Japan, it almost exclusively refers to the 'ECHELON' global surveillance network operated by the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
- The character 階 used in 階層 (echelon) also appears in the word 階段 (kaidan), which means 'stairs'. This links the abstract idea of social rank directly to the physical act of climbing steps.
- While 階層 refers to social 'echelons', the term 階級 is used specifically for military or rigid class ranks. A person's rank in the army is almost always described as 階級, never as 階層.
Examples in context
- 「新入社員はまだ階層を上り詰める道のりが長い。」New employees still have a long way to climb up the echelons.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are discussing company politics at the office.
- 美咲 Misakiこの件は上のエシュロンに報告すべきよ。Kono ken wa ue no eshuron ni houkoku subeki yo.We should report this matter to the upper echelons.
- 陽太 Yota確かに、部長の判断が必要だね。Tashika ni, buchou no handan ga hitsuyou da ne.True, we need the manager's decision.
- 美咲 Misakiエシュロンが変われば方針も変わるわ。Eshuron ga kawareba houshin mo kawaru wa.If the echelon changes, the policy will change too.
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね。まずは相談してみよう。Sou da ne. Mazu wa soudan shite miyou.You're right. Let's try consulting them first.
