档次

• Pinyin: dàng cì
• Hanzi breakdown: 档 = 木 + 当 (file, category, shelf); 次 = 冫+ 欠 (order, rank)

Meaning

Grade, level, or tier of quality, status, or price. Used to categorise things or people according to a hierarchical standard.

A widely-used semi-formal term for classifying products, services, events, or social standing by quality or prestige. Central to consumer culture, brand positioning, and social commentary. Saying something 'lacks 档次' implies it is low-grade or unsophisticated.

Examples

1. 这家酒店的装修和服务均达到了五星级的档次。 The decoration and service of this hotel have both reached a five-star level.
2. 产品的定价策略必须与其品牌档次相符合，才能赢得目标客群。 A product's pricing strategy must match its brand tier in order to win over its target customers.
3. 他认为这份礼物档次不够，无法代表公司应有的诚意。 He felt that this gift was not high-end enough and could not represent the sincerity the company should show.

Usage Guide

Context: consumer culture, business, social commentary

Tone: evaluative

Do Say

• 婚礼的档次不在于花费多少，而在于是否体现了新人的品味。(The quality of a wedding is not about how much is spent, but whether it reflects the couple's taste.)
• 这款产品定位高端档次，目标客户是注重品质的消费群体。(This product targets the premium tier, aimed at quality-conscious consumer groups.)

Don't Say

• 他是高档次的人 — 档次 describes products and events more naturally; for people, say 有品位 or 有格调 instead

Origin & History

档 (file, category, shelf) + 次 (order, rank, level)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal