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阶梯 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
阶梯jiētīflight of stepsHSK 7, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #16039, Very Hard
阶梯jiētī(fig.) a means of advancementHSK 7, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #16039, Very Hard
阶梯jiētīstepping stoneHSK 7, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #16039, Very Hard
jiētī(jie1ti1)jie ti T1
  1. 1flight of steps
  2. 2(fig.) a means of advancement
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March 24, 2026

阶梯(階梯)jiētī(jie1ti1)

阶梯 (jiētī) refers to a flight of steps or stairs that provide a means to ascend or descend. Figuratively, it represents a stepping stone or means of advancement in personal or professional contexts, symbolizing progress or a pathway to success.

Strokes17Frequency#16039DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of stepping stones is often related to education and personal development, where each achievement is viewed as a necessary step for future success. The image of stairs is prevalent in teachings about perseverance.

Memory tip

Imagine a giant staircase leading up to success, with each step labeled as a different achievement. The character 阶 (jiē) looks like a step, and 梯 (tī) resembles a ladder, both helping you climb higher in life.

Meanings of 阶梯

jiētī(jie1ti1)
1flight of steps
2(fig.) a means of advancement
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About 阶梯

阶梯Simplified
階梯Traditional
17Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 阶梯

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Podcast: 阶梯

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AI study notes for 阶梯

Quick Contrast

楼梯 (lóutī) vs 阶梯 (jiētī): Use 阶梯 when referring to a more metaphorical or figurative sense of progression, while 楼梯 is more commonly used for physical staircases.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of using 阶梯 in both literal and figurative contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with 级别 (jíbié), which refers more to levels or ranks, not physical steps. It is typically used in informal discussions about career progression.

HSK Study Tips

Though not an HSK word, 阶梯 can be related to HSK Level 4 vocabulary like 发展 (fāzhǎn - development) and 进步 (jìnbù - progress). Focus on understanding its dual meaning in both physical and abstract contexts to enhance vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 阶梯 with 楼梯 (lóutī), which specifically means 'staircase' or 'stairway'. For example, saying '我需要一个楼梯来获得成功' (I need a staircase to achieve success) is incorrect; it should be '我需要一个阶梯来获得成功'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 阶梯

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Component characters

阶jiērank or step
HSK 76 strokes阝
View full entry
梯tīladder
11 strokes木
View full entry

How to say flight of steps in Chinese

“flight of steps” in Chinese is阶梯jiētī

阶梯 (jiētī) refers to a flight of steps or stairs that provide a means to ascend or descend. Figuratively, it represents a stepping stone or means of advancement in personal or professional contexts, symbolizing progress or a pathway to success.

When to use 阶梯

Be mindful of using 阶梯 in both literal and figurative contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with 级别 (jíbié), which refers more to levels or ranks, not physical steps. It is typically used in informal discussions about career progression.

阶梯 or something close to it

楼梯 (lóutī) vs 阶梯 (jiētī): Use 阶梯 when referring to a more metaphorical or figurative sense of progression, while 楼梯 is more commonly used for physical staircases.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 阶梯 with 楼梯 (lóutī), which specifically means 'staircase' or 'stairway'. For example, saying '我需要一个楼梯来获得成功' (I need a staircase to achieve success) is incorrect; it should be '我需要一个阶梯来获得成功'.

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阶
梯

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Cultural Notes for 阶梯

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

While the concept of a 'stepping stone' exists in Western cultures, it often emphasizes individualism and personal responsibility, whereas in Chinese culture, it is more about collective progress and support from the community.

Frequently asked questions about 阶梯

Yes, 阶梯 can refer to actual stairs as well as metaphorical steps in career or personal advancement.

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