级 (jí): class, step, level.

    Meaning: This character consists of two parts. The left part “纟” (silk) implies something related to fiber or fabrics, the right part “及” (jí) denotes its pronunciation. Originally the character meant the order of threads in a piece of fabric. Now it means “class, level.”

    Phrases: 年级 (niánjí): grade;

    等级 (děngjí): class;

    晋级 (jìnjí): be promoted.

    Examples: 你儿子上几年级了？

    Nǐ érzi shàng jǐ niánjí le？

    Which grade is your son in?

    封建社会等级森严。

    Fēngjiàn shèhuì děngjí sēnyán。

    There were strict class distinctions in a feudal society.