About
阶 (jiē) is a phono-semantic compound and the simplified form of the traditional character 階. Both characters incorporate the 阝 (fǔ) radical on the left, which conveys the meaning of hills, mounds, or earthen structures. The traditional phonetic element 皆 (jiē) on the right was replaced in the simplified version with the simpler 介 (jiè). The literal meaning described a flight of steps or stairs built from earth or stone, allowing changes in elevation. Over time, this concrete notion of ascending steps became a metaphor for hierarchical systems, social rankings, administrative grades, and incremental stages within processes.
Example Sentences Hide
请小心这些台阶。
我们处于准备阶段。
知识是进步的阶梯。
社会有不同的阶层。
这项任务分两个阶段完成。
他一步步地登上权力的阶梯。
这个理论源于特定的历史阶段。
分析社会必须考虑其阶级结构。
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.