Quick answer
段 is the kanji for "Grade". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is だん (dan). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Grade
Also : Steps · Stairs · Stage
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
9 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 段 represents 'GRADE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of grade.
On-reading: だん — remember this sound by associating it with grade.
Example Sentences
一段ずつ階段を上りました。
いちだんずつかいだんをのぼりました。
I climbed the stairs one step at a time.
段落を整理しました。
だんらくをせいりしました。
I organized the paragraphs.
Vocabulary using 段
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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