段階
dankai[dã̠ŋka̠i]
The English word 'stage' can be translated into Japanese as either 段階 (dankai) or ステージ depending on the context.
Meaning: phase (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 段階 | dankai | [dã̠ŋka̠i] (narrow) |
| ステージ | sutēji | [sɨ̥te̞ːʑi] (narrow) |
When you are referring to a phase, step or a specific point in a process or development, use 段階. If you are referring to a physical platform used for performances or a specific level within a video game, use ステージ. Additionally, the verb 上演する can be used when you want to say 'to produce on a stage'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 段階 is composed of the characters 段 (step/level) and 階 (stairs/floor/level).
Which one should you use?
段階 is used for abstract concepts, such as a phase or step in a process. In contrast, ステージ is used for concrete or digital contexts, specifically referring to a physical stage for performers or a level in a video game.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
dankai
Did you know?
- The character 段 is used in the term 段取り, which refers to the 'staging' or 'arrangement' of a plan, derived from the way traditional carpenters planned their work.
- While 段階 refers to a phase, the character 段 is also used in the ranking system for martial arts and board games like Go, where it denotes a 'dan' or black-belt level.
- In Japanese, if you are talking about the 'stage' of a career or a person's life, you are more likely to use 時期 (time/period) than 段階.
Examples in context
- 指揮者がステージに現れた。The conductor appeared on the stage.This sentence shows the use of ステージ regarding a physical platform.Tatoeba #168239 by tommy__san, translation #246254 by CK
- 今の段階では、何も言えません。At this stage, I cannot say anything.This sentence illustrates the common phrase for 'at this stage' using 段階.Tatoeba #10548175 by small_snow, translation #10548110 by AlanF_US
- ステージで歌ってる女の子は誰？Who is the girl singing on the stage?This sentence demonstrates the use of ステージ in the context of a performance.Tatoeba #12334856 by bunbuku, translation #319456 by CM
- 日本の舞台芸術は素晴らしいです。Japanese stage arts are fantastic.
- 彼女はステージで素晴らしい歌声を披露しました。She showcased her wonderful singing voice on the stage.
- 今日のライブのステージ、最高だったよ！Today's live stage was awesome!
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are talking about a project's progress.
- 陽太 Yota計画は今どの段階にありますか？Keikaku wa ima dono dankai ni arimasu ka?What stage is the plan at right now?
- 陽葵 Himariまだ準備の段階です。Mada junbi no dankai desu.It is still in the preparation stage.
- 陽太 Yota次の段階に進むのはいつですか？Tsugi no dankai ni susumu no wa itsu desu ka?When will you move to the next stage?
- 陽葵 Himari来週には進めると思います。Raishū ni wa susumeru to omoimasu.I think we can move forward next week.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stage” translations and entries 段階, ステージ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
