数すう段だん

noun

several steps; a few levels

Used literally for physical steps or figuratively for degrees of difference. Often appears in comparisons.

• 階かい段だんを数すう段だん上あがったところにドアがある。

  There is a door a few steps up the stairs.

• 彼かれの実じつ力りょくは私わたしより数すう段だん上うえだ。

  His ability is several levels above mine.

adverb

much (better, higher, etc.); several cuts above

Adverbial use emphasizing a large gap in quality or degree. Commonly paired with 上, 優れている, or similar expressions.

• この新しん製せい品ひんは旧きゅうモデルより数すう段だん性せい能のうが良よい。

  This new product performs much better than the old model.

• 彼かの女じょの料りょう理りの腕うで前まえは私わたしより数すう段だん上うえだ。

  Her cooking skills are several cuts above mine.