ランク
ranku[ɾã̠ŋkɯ̟]
The English phrase 'rank' is expressed in Japanese as ランク (ranku).
As a noun, ランク refers to a rank, level or grade. It is commonly used in contexts such as video games, product quality tiers or social hierarchies to denote a specific level or standing. When you want to use 'rank' as a verb (to rank or to assign a rank), you should use the form ランク付けする.
Meaning: to assign a suitable place in a class or order (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
ranku
Did you know?
- In Japanese consumer culture, the word ランク is frequently used for 'grade' in luxury fruit, such as the highly prized 'S rank' melons that can sell for thousands of dollars.
- When referring to social rank in a historical context, Japanese uses 身分 (mibun), a word that implies a rank you are born into rather than one you earn or are assigned.
- The term ランク is used in 'ranking' (ランキング) culture, which is so pervasive in Japan that specialized charts for everything from convenience store snacks to anime characters are a daily staple of pop culture.
Examples in context
- ねぇ、知ってる？そうめんって帯の色でランクが違うのよ。Hey, did you know that the rank of soumen differs depending on the colour of the sash around it?This sentence is useful for illustrating how the ランク of soumen can differ based on the color of its sash.Tatoeba #9987676 by small_snow, translation #10281764 by tsp_2
- 彼女は会社での地位が上がりました。Her rank in the company has been elevated.
- 彼はゲームでのランクが上がりました。His rank in the game has increased.
- アミは歌のランキングでトップ１０に入った。Ami made it into the top ten in the music ranking.
- この商品はランク分けされています。Kono shōhin wa ranku wake sarete imasu.These products are ranked by class.
- 品質によってランクを決める。Hinshitsu ni yotte ranku o kimeru.Determine the rank based on quality.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are talking about a mobile game.
- 蓮 Ren今の君のランクはどれくらい？Ima no kimi no ranku wa dore kurai?What is your current rank?
- 結衣 Yuiまだ低いうちのランクだよ。Mada hikui uchi no ranku da yo.My rank is still low.
- 蓮 Ren一緒にプレイしてランクを上げよう。Issho ni purei shite ranku o ageyou.Let's play together and raise your rank.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、蓮くん！Arigato, Ren-kun!Thanks, Ren!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ランク, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
