Translation and Meaning of: 同級 - doukyuu

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 同級 [どうきゅう]. It appears in school, professional contexts, and even in everyday conversations. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in Japanese culture. Additionally, we will provide tips for memorizing it and understanding its role in common sentences.

同級 is one of those words that, although simple, carries important nuances depending on the context. Whether for those learning Japanese or just wanting to better understand the language, knowing its correct usage can make a difference. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and precise explanations to help you master like this.

Meaning and use of 同級

The word 同級 is composed of the kanji 同 (same) and 級 (class, level), forming the meaning of "same class" or "same level." In Japan, it is often used to refer to classmates, especially in the school environment. For example, 同級生[どうきゅうせい] means "classmate," a term very common in animes and dramas.

Besides the educational context, 同級 can also appear in professional situations, indicating people who ed the same company in the same year. This use reflects the importance of hierarchy and experience in Japanese corporate culture. It is not uncommon to hear phrases like 彼は私の同級です (He is my entry-level colleague) in work environments.

Origin and structure of kanjis

The kanji 同 has Chinese origins and carries the meaning of "equal" or "identical." Meanwhile, 級 represents "level" or "grade," often associated with classifications or hierarchies. The combination of these two characters arose to describe people who share the same position in a system, whether educational or professional.

It is worth noting that 同級 is not an old or rare word. It is part of everyday vocabulary and appears in various materials, from textbooks to informal conversations. Its use is so established that it hardly undergoes regional or dialectal variations, remaining stable throughout Japan.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 同級 is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of school or work colleagues who started at the same time as you. This connection with real experiences makes memorization easier. Another tip is to practice with short examples, like 同級の田中さん (Tanaka, my classmate).

Avoid confusing 同級 with similar , such as 同期[どうき], which can also mean "contemporary," but has a broader and less specific usage. While 同級 is limited to contexts of class or level, 同期 can encom people from the same generation in various fields. Pay attention to these details to avoid making mistakes.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• クラスメイト (kurasa-meito) - classmate
• 同期 (douki) - Year mate (usually in of work or school)
• 同輩 (douhai) - Similar collaborators or colleagues (a broader term often used in professional contexts)
• 同学年 (dougakunen) - Same school series
• 同じ学年の人 (onaji gakunen no hito) - Person from the same school grade
• 同じクラスの人 (onaji kurasu no hito) - Person from the same class
• 同じ年齢の人 (onaji nendai no hito) - Person of the same age
• 同じ年次の人 (onaji nenji no hito) - Same year person (usually used in academic contexts)
• 同じ学年の友達 (onaji gakunen no tomodachi) - Friend from the same school series
• 同じクラスの友達 (onaji kurasu no tomodachi) - Friend from the same class