Japanese word

初級

Pronunciation

Romajishokyū

Meaning

  • nounbeginner level

Example

この本は初級向けです。ko no hon wa sho kyū mu ke de su

This book is for beginners.

Illustration for 初級 (beginner level)

More examples

先生は初級の文法を丁寧に説明します。sen sei wa sho kyū no bun pō o tei nei ni setsu mei shi ma su

The teacher explains beginner-level grammar carefully.

Core concept

Describes a starting level that covers basic knowledge and skills rather than developed expertise.

Common phrases

  • 初級文法sho kyū bun pō

    elementary grammar

  • 初級レベルsho kyū re be ru

    beginner level

  • 初級向けsho kyū mu ke

    for beginners

Similar words

初歩shoho: The earliest stage of learning a subject or skill.
入門nyūmon: An introductory stage for people beginning to study a subject.

Definition in Japanese

学習や技能について、基本的な段階にあること。gaku shū ya gi nō ni tsu i te ki hon teki na dan kai ni a ru ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 初級 (shokyū) combines 初 (sho, "beginning") with 級 (kyū, "grade") and denotes a beginner level.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese learning materials, 初級 (shokyū) usually identifies lessons for people who are building basic skills, while 中級 (chūkyū) and 上級 (jōkyū) mark later stages.

Other meanings

  • elementary levelnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 初級者shokyūshabeginnernoun

Word lists with this word