Japanese word

格

Pronunciation

Romajikaku

Meaning

  • nounstatus

Example

彼は格が高いです。kare wa kaku ga taka i de su

He has high status.

Illustration for 格 (status)

More examples

彼女は控えめな服装でも、格を失いません。kano jo wa hika e me na fuku sō de mo kaku o ushina i ma se n

She does not lose her status even in modest clothing.

Core concept

Presents a person's recognized position in a group or society, which can be higher or lower than that of others.

Common phrases

  • 格が高いkaku ga taka i

    be of high status

  • 格が違うkaku ga chiga u

    be in a different class

  • 格を上げるkaku o a ge ru

    raise one's status

Similar words

地位chii: A person's position or rank in a group, organization, or society.
身分mibun: A person's social status, especially as defined by their place in society.
位kurai: A person's rank or standing among others.

Definition in Japanese

人が属する身分や、社会で認められている地位。hito ga zoku su ru mi bun ya sha kai de mito me ra re te i ru chi i

Word origin

格 (kaku, "status" or "rank") uses the Sino-Japanese reading of the character 格, whose established meanings include class, standard, and rank.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 格が高い (kaku ga takai) describes someone or something with high standing and often sounds more formal than everyday status.

Other meanings

  • ranknoun

Word lists with this word