中级

• Pinyin: zhōng jí
• Hanzi breakdown: 中 = a line through the center, meaning 'middle'; 级 = 纟(silk) + 及 (reach)

Meaning

Intermediate level; middle grade. Between beginner and advanced.

Commonly used in educational contexts to describe skill levels, courses, or materials. Often seen alongside 初级 (beginner) and 高级 (advanced) as part of a three-tier system.

Examples

1. 我现在在学中级汉语。 I am currently studying intermediate Chinese.
2. 这本书适合中级水平的学生。 This book is suitable for intermediate-level students.
3. 她通过了中级考试。 She passed the intermediate exam.

Usage Guide

Context: study, work

Tone: informational

Do Say

• 我的汉语水平是中级。(My Chinese level is intermediate.)
• 中级班的课比较难。(The intermediate class is relatively difficult.)

Don't Say

• 他是一个中级的人。(Don't use 中级 to describe a person directly — it describes skill levels or categories. Say 他的水平是中级的.)

Origin & History

Compound of 中 (middle) and 级 (level/grade), literally 'middle level.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal