noun
second step; second level; second grade
General term for the second in a sequence of steps, levels, grades, or ranks. Can refer to physical steps, academic grades, martial arts ranks, etc.
階段の二段目でつまずいた。
I tripped on the second step of the stairs.
彼は柔道の二段目を取得した。
He earned his second dan in judo.
noun
second act (in traditional theater)
Used in jōruri, noh, kabuki, and similar traditional performing arts to refer to the second act or part of a performance.
この歌舞伎の二段目は特に見応えがある。
The second act of this kabuki play is especially worth watching.
noun
makushita division (sumo); third highest division
In sumo, the division just below juryo; also refers to a wrestler in that division. Despite the literal meaning 'second step', it is the third highest division in the sumo hierarchy.
See also: 幕下
彼は幕下の二段目で活躍している。
He is active in the makushita division.
Refers to the third step, level, or act; in sumo, it is the fourth highest division (sandamme).
The sumo division directly above 二段目; 二段目 is the lower part of makushita.
Compound of 二 (ni, 'two') + 段 (dan, 'step/level') + 目 (me, ordinal suffix), literally 'second step/level'.