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Step, Stage, Level

JLPT N3

Interesting Fact

Martial arts like Judo, Karate, and Kendo use the 段 ranking system. A black belt often begins at 初段 (first dan).

Memory Trick

Imagine climbing a STAIRCASE one STEP at a time. Every step takes you to a higher LEVEL.

Readings

Onyomi: ダン (dan)

Kunyomi:

Example Words

階段
かいだん (kaidan)
Stairs
段階
だんかい (dankai)
Stage
手段
しゅだん (shudan)
Means, Method
初段
しょだん (shodan)
First dan rank

Example Sentence

階段を 上がってください。

かいだんを あがってください。

kaidan o agatte kudasai

Please go up the stairs.

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