Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 水平 | shuǐpíng |
| 層次 / 层次 | céngcì |
| 級別 / 级别 | jíbié |
| 水準 / 水准 | shuǐzhǔn |
| 級 / 级 | jí |
水平 is the most common way to describe a person's level of skill, ability or a standard of quality. When talking about proficiency in a language or a skill, use 水平 rather than 级别.
Which one should you use?
The word you choose depends on the context of the level you are describing: * 水平 is the most common way to describe a person's level of skill, ability or a standard of quality. * 层次 is used for abstract levels, such as the 'level' of a discussion, the 'layers' of a theory or the 'depth' of a concept. * 级别 is used for formal hierarchical levels, such as government ranks, professional grades or game levels. * 级 is often used as a suffix or a standalone noun to denote a specific numerical rank or level, such as 'Level 1' or 'Grade 5'. * 水准 is another way to express level or standard.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say something is 'at a certain level', the structure '在 [word] 水平上' is commonly used.
How do you pronounce it?
shuǐpíng
Did you know?
- The word 水平 literally translates to 'water level'. This reflects an ancient logic where a still body of water is the most perfect natural indicator of a flat and equal surface.
- In formal government or corporate structures, 级别 is more than just a title. It often determines specific privileges such as the size of an office or the type of car a person can use.
- If you are talking about the 'level' of a floor in a building, you should avoid 水平 and use 楼层 instead.
Examples in context
- 我英文水平中等。My level in English is intermediate.This example uses 水平 to describe a person's proficiency in English.Tatoeba #11702375 by Jokubas, translation #8666620 by Ahmed_Waleed
- 我们不在一个水平上。We are on the same level.This example uses 水平 to show that two people are at the same level.Tatoeba #13944419 by jan_OkulaJu, translation #2679242 by fekundulo
- 他的西语水平還應該提高。His level of Spanish should still be improved.This example uses 水平 to note that someone's Spanish proficiency should be improved.Tatoeba #6298218 by xjjAstrus, translation #7805708 by sharris123
- 他的语言水平已经达到了一个高级别。His language level has reached an advanced level.
- 公司的管理层次分明。The company's management levels are distinct.
- 这门课需要一定的数学水平。This course requires a certain level of math skills.
- 你已经达到了游戏中的最高等级。You have reached the highest level in the game.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their coding abilities.
- 梓涵 Zihan你的编程水平很高啊。Nǐ de biānchéng shuǐpíng hěn gāo a.Your coding level is very high.
- 浩然 Haoran哪里哪里，还在学习中。Nǎlǐ nǎlǐ, hái zài xuéxí zhōng.Not at all, I am still learning.
- 梓涵 Zihan希望能向你学习。Xīwàng néng xiàng nǐ xuéxí.I hope to learn from you.
- 浩然 Haoran我们一起加油吧。Wǒmen yīqǐ jiāyóu ba.Let's both do our best together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “level” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
