階層

• Reading: かいそう
• Romaji: kaisou
• Kanji breakdown: 階 (kai) — stairs, floor, level; 層 (sou) — layer, stratum, class
• Pronunciation: /ka.i.soː/

Meaning

Class; level; stratum; layer; hierarchy. A tier within a structured system.

A noun used for layers or levels within social, organisational, or physical structures. In sociology, 社会階層 (shakai kaisou, social stratum) describes distinct levels of society. Also used in computing for 階層構造 (kaisou kouzou, hierarchical structure) and in geology for physical layers. More analytical and neutral than 階級 (kaikyuu, class), which often carries connotations of inequality or struggle. Frequently appears in academic and technical writing.

Examples

1. 現代社会にもさまざまな階層が存在する。 Various social strata still exist in modern society.
2. このシステムは三つの階層に分かれている。 This system is divided into three levels.
3. 所得による階層の差が拡大している。 The gap between income-based strata is widening.

Usage Guide

Context: sociology, computing, academia

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 階 (kai, stairs/level) + 層 (sou, layer/stratum). Literally 'stair layers' — distinct levels stacked within a structure.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal