Translation guide
The English word 'level' has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a relative position on a scale, a physical height, a flat surface, a floor of a building, and the idea of making something even. It also includes useful phrases and warnings about literal translations.
日本語のレベルはどのくらいですか？
What is your Japanese level?
Expressing a relative position on a scale, such as skill, quality, or amount.
A very common loanword used for abstract levels like skill, difficulty, or quality. Works in many contexts.
彼の英語のレベルは高い。
His English level is high.
このゲームのレベルは難しい。
The level of this game is difficult.
Means 'degree' or 'extent'. More formal than レベル. Often used in written or technical contexts.
Means 'standard' or 'level', often used for living standards, academic levels, etc. More formal.
Means 'stage' or 'phase'. Used when level implies a step in a process.
Referring to how high something is physically, like water, ground, or an airplane's altitude.
General word for 'height'. Can be used for physical height of objects, water level, etc.
A flat, even surface, or a tool used to check if something is horizontal.
Referring to a floor in a building (e.g., ground level, first floor).
The counter for floors. Use with numbers: 1階 (first floor), 2階 (second floor), etc.
To make something flat, even, or equal.
While レベル is very common, it doesn't work for physical height or floors. Use 高さ for height, 階 for floors, and 平ら for flatness. Using レベル in these cases can sound unnatural.
× この机のレベルは高い。
Intended: The level of this desk is high. (Better: この机の高さは高い。)
程度 is more formal and often used in written Japanese or technical reports. レベル is casual and widely used in everyday conversation. For academic or business writing, 程度 or 水準 may be more appropriate.
The level of damage is great.
生活水準が向上した。
The standard of living has improved.
プロジェクトは次の段階に入った。
The project has entered the next level/stage.
水位の高さを測る。
Measure the water level.
この机の高さは調節できます。
The height of this desk can be adjusted.
Specifically means 'altitude' or 'height above sea level'. Used for airplanes, mountains, etc.
飛行機は高度一万メートルを飛んでいる。
The plane is flying at an altitude of 10,000 meters.
Specifically 'water level'. Used for rivers, dams, etc.
雨で川の水位が上がった。
The river's water level rose due to rain.
Means 'horizontal' or 'level'. Can be used as a noun or adjective.
この棚は水平ではない。
This shelf is not level.
A 'spirit level' or 'level tool'. The physical tool used in construction.
水準器で床が平らか確認する。
Check if the floor is level with a spirit level.
事務所は3階です。
The office is on the third floor.
Loanword meaning 'floor' of a building, often used in department stores or hotels.
紳士服売り場は5階のフロアです。
The men's clothing department is on the 5th floor.
Verb meaning 'to level' or 'to even out'. Often used for ground or surfaces.
庭の土を均す。
Level the soil in the garden.