中級
chūkyū
The English word 'intermediate' is translated into Japanese as 中級 (chūkyū).
中級 is used to describe a level or stage that is between two extremes, such as being in the middle of a range of proficiency. While 中級 is the standard term, the loanword インターミディエイト is also used and it is often accompanied by the particle な to function as an adjective.
Meaning: being between two extremes, or in the middle of a range (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 中級 is composed of the kanji 中, meaning middle and 級, meaning grade or level.
Which one should you use?
中級 is used for intermediate levels, whereas 初級 (shokyū) is the term for beginner or introductory levels and 上級 (jōkyū) is used for advanced levels.
How do you pronounce it?
chūkyū
Did you know?
- In certain Japanese contexts, particularly in sports or academic grading, the term 級 (kyū) is part of a system where the number actually decreases as you become more proficient.
- The kanji 級 used in 中級 is also used in the word 等級 (tōkyū), which refers to the official grading of beef or fish in Japanese markets.
- While 中級 is used for skills, the word 中途 (chūto) is used for 'mid-career' hires, a distinct social category in Japanese corporate culture.
Examples in context
- 私の英語レベルは、中級です。My level in English is intermediate.This sentence is useful for describing your own English proficiency level using 中級.Tatoeba #9930030 by small_snow, translation #8666620 by Ahmed_Waleed
- このレベルは中級だよ。難しくないよ。This level is intermediate. It isn't hard.This sentence is useful for describing the difficulty of a level using 中級.Tatoeba #9929998 by small_snow, translation #8666617 by Ahmed_Waleed
- 本人は全然下手クソと言ってるが、彼なら十分中級者で通るだろう。He himself says he's completely hopeless, but as someone with an intermediate level skill, he will probably be fine.This sentence is useful for describing someone who functions as an intermediate learner using 中級者.Tatoeba #1004636 by mookeee, translation #4644862 by corbinjurgens
- 私は中級レベルの日本語を話せます。I can speak Japanese at an intermediate level.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are discussing which textbook to buy for their language class.
- 蓮 Ren美咲、どのテキストを買うつもり？Misaki, dono tekisuto o kau tsumori?Misaki, which textbook are you planning to buy?
- 美咲 Misaki中級のコースがいいと思うよ。Chūkyū no kōsu ga ii to omou yo.I think the intermediate course would be good.
- 蓮 Ren僕には少し難しいかもしれないな。Boku ni wa sukoshi muzukashii kamo shirenai na.It might be a bit too difficult for me.
- 美咲 Misaki大丈夫、蓮なら中級でも大丈夫だよ。Daijōbu, Ren nara chūkyū demo daijōbu da yo.It's okay, you'll be fine with intermediate, Ren.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
