About
The character 阶 (jiē) is the simplified form of 階, functioning as a phono-semantic compound. Its traditional structure pairs the left-side 阝 (fǔ) radical, linked to hills or earthen structures, with the phonetic component 皆 (jiē) on the right. The simplified version retains the terrain-related radical but uses the simpler phonetic element 介 (jiè). Originally, it denoted a physical flight of steps or stairs built from earth or stone to ascend height. From this concrete image of upward progression, the meaning extended to abstract concepts like hierarchical ranks, social statuses, administrative grades, and sequential stages within systems or processes.
Etymology Hide
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。