Translation guide
The English word "rank" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: position in a hierarchy, a row or line, and the verb meaning to assign a position. It also touches on related senses like quality and smell.
Expressing someone's or something's standing, level, or grade in an ordered system.
A common loanword from English, used widely for rankings in games, companies, and general contexts. It's neutral and easily understood.
He holds a high rank in the company.
It's hard to raise your rank in this game.
Refers to social or professional standing, status, or position. More formal than ランク and often used for people.
He has a high social rank.
He worked hard to attain a high rank.
Used for ranks in military, police, or other structured hierarchies. Also for social classes.
He was promoted in military rank.
The ranking system is strict.
Specifically refers to ranking order, like in a competition or list. Often used with numbers.
His rank was third place.
My rank dropped.
A native Japanese word for rank or grade, often used in traditional contexts like sumo or court ranks. Can sound old-fashioned.
He was promoted to the rank of yokozuna.
Referring to a line of people or things arranged side by side.
The verb meaning to place someone or something in a particular rank or order.
A common way to say 'to rank' using the loanword plus 付け (attaching). Used for ranking items, people, etc.
We rank the applicants.
This restaurant is ranked highly.
Literally 'attach a ranking', used for assigning positions in a list or competition.
We rank the players.
Means to position or rank something within a broader context, often abstract. More formal.
Describing something as being of the highest rank, excellent, or first-rate.
Describing a strong, offensive smell.
ランク is a general loanword for rank in many contexts (games, companies, quality). 順位 is specifically about order in a list or competition. 地位 refers to social or professional standing, often with connotations of prestige.
My game rank went up.
My rank in the marathon was 5th.
He holds a high rank (position).
The English 'rank' meaning a strong unpleasant smell does not translate to ランク. Use 悪臭 or 臭い instead.
店の前に長い行列ができていた。
There was a long rank of people in front of the store.
This research is ranked as important.
I want to work for a top-rank company.
That meat is rank.