阶层

• Pinyin: jiē céng
• Hanzi breakdown: 阶 = 阝(hill radical) + 皆 — steps, stairs, rank; 层 = 尸 + 曾 — layer, stratum

Meaning

Social stratum; class; tier. A level or group within a hierarchical social structure.

Refers to groups of people sharing similar economic status, education levels, or social positions. Unlike the more politically charged 阶级, 阶层 is a neutral sociological term used in academic and everyday discussions about social mobility and inequality. Common in discussions about middle class (中产阶层), working class, etc.

Examples

1. 随着经济发展，中产阶层的规模正在迅速扩大。 With economic development, the middle class is rapidly expanding in size.
2. 不同阶层之间的收入差距引发了广泛的社会讨论。 The income gap between different social strata has sparked widespread social discussion.
3. 教育被认为是跨越阶层的重要途径。 Education is considered an important pathway for crossing class boundaries.

Usage Guide

Context: sociology, economics, academic

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他来自普通工薪阶层。(He comes from an ordinary working-class family.)
• 社会阶层的流动性越来越大。(Social mobility between strata is increasing.)

Don't Say

• 用'阶层'来描述建筑物的楼层 (Don't use 阶层 for building floors — use 楼层; 阶层 is specifically for social stratification)

Origin & History

Composed of 阶 (step; rank; level) + 层 (layer; stratum). Together they describe a layered structure of social ranks.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated speakers