The word 层次 (céngcì) is a compound noun formed by combining two characters with related meanings to create an abstract concept. The first character, 层 (céng), fundamentally means "layer" or "stratum", implying a horizontal stacking. The second character, 次 (cì), means "order", "sequence", or "next in line", implying a vertical or sequential arrangement. When combined, they extend the concrete idea of physical layers (层) into the more abstract concept of ordered levels or a hierarchical structure (次), effectively meaning "hierarchy", "level", or "gradation", where multiple tiers exist in a systematic order, such as in social strata, organizational ranks, or the layers of meaning in an artwork.