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B1 noun #1,000 सबसे आम 9 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

～階

शीर्ष 1,000

At the A1 level, you learn '～階' (kai) as a basic counter to identify where things are. You start with simple numbers like 1, 2, and 3. You learn that 'ikkai' is the 1st floor, 'nikai' is the 2nd, and 'sangai' is the 3rd. The focus is on basic survival Japanese: finding a toilet, a restaurant, or an exit in a building. You use simple sentence patterns like '[Place] wa [Number] kai desu.' You might not perfectly remember all the sound changes (like 'rokkai' or 'hakkai') yet, but you understand that 'kai' means 'floor.' You also learn that '1F' in Japan is the ground floor, which is important for basic navigation.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '～階' in more descriptive sentences. You can ask 'Nan-gai desu ka?' (Which floor is it?) and understand the answer. You are expected to be more consistent with the sound changes for 1, 3, 6, 8, and 10. You also learn the word 'chika' (basement) and how to say 'chika ikkai' (B1). You can follow simple directions in a department store or station. You might start using the particle 'de' to say you are doing something on a specific floor, like 'Sankai de gohan o tabemasu' (I will eat on the 3rd floor). Your vocabulary expands to include 'kaidan' (stairs) and 'erebeetaa' (elevator) in relation to floors.

At the B1 level, you should have mastered all the phonetic variations of '～階' and use them naturally. You understand the difference between '～階' (specific floor) and '～階建て' (a building with X stories). You can describe your living situation in detail, such as 'Gokai-date no manshon no sankai ni sunde imasu' (I live on the 3rd floor of a 5-story apartment). You are comfortable with more complex locational phrases like 'ue no kai' (the floor above) and 'shita no kai' (the floor below). You can also understand more formal announcements in public spaces that use 'kai' with humble or honorific verbs like 'gozaimasu' or 'mairimasu'.

At the B2 level, you use '～階' in professional and technical contexts. You can discuss building codes, real estate specifications, or architectural designs. You understand the nuance of using 'furoa' versus 'kai' in a business setting. You can handle situations where floor numbering might be confusing, such as split-levels or mezzanine floors (chuunikai). You are also aware of the cultural superstitions surrounding certain floor numbers (like 4 or 9) and can discuss them. Your listening skills are sharp enough to catch floor numbers in fast-paced announcements even in noisy environments like a crowded train station.

At the C1 level, your use of '～階' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You can use it in idiomatic or metaphorical ways if they arise, although 'kai' is primarily literal. You understand historical contexts of how floors were counted in traditional Japanese architecture (like 'shinden-zukuri'). You can read complex floor plans and legal documents related to property without hesitation. You are also proficient in using related but more obscure counters or terms like 'sou' (strata) or 'dan' (rank) in high-level academic or literary discussions. You can explain the linguistic evolution of the counter and its kanji to others.

At the C2 level, you possess a complete mastery of '～階' and all its related architectural and linguistic nuances. You can engage in deep discussions about urban planning, the history of high-rise buildings in Japan, and the linguistic shifts in counters over centuries. You can appreciate and use wordplay involving 'kai' (floor) and its homophones. You are capable of translating complex technical manuals or literary works where the concept of 'levels' or 'floors' is central to the narrative or structure. Your command of the language allows you to use the counter with perfect precision in any register, from extremely formal legal Japanese to casual slang.

इसका अभ्यास करें उदाहरण नोट्स और सुझाव

～階 30 सेकंड में

Counter for building floors.
Pronounced 'kai' or 'gai'.
Undergoes sound changes (1, 3, 6, 8, 10).
1st floor is ground level in Japan.

The Japanese counter ～階 (pronounced 'kai' or 'gai') is an essential linguistic tool used to denote the specific levels or stories within a building. For English speakers, this is the direct equivalent of saying 'floor' or 'story.' However, unlike English where 'floor' is a standalone noun, in Japanese, it functions as a counter that must be attached to a number. This word is ubiquitous in daily Japanese life, appearing on elevator buttons, building directories, and in directions. Whether you are navigating a massive department store in Shinjuku or looking for a friend's apartment in a suburban 'mansion,' understanding how to count floors is fundamental to spatial navigation in Japan.

Core Function: To specify the vertical position of a room or area within a multi-story structure.
Grammatical Category: A counter (josuushi) that attaches to Sino-Japanese numerals.

私の事務所はビルの三階にあります。(My office is on the third floor of the building.)

One of the most important aspects for learners is the phonetic variation that occurs when certain numbers precede the counter. While the base pronunciation is 'kai,' it changes to 'gai' after the number three (3), and undergoes gemination (doubling of the 'k' sound) after one (1), six (6), eight (8), and ten (10). This makes the sequence: ikkai, nikai, sangai, yonkai, gokai, rokkai, nanakai, hakkai, kyuukai, jukkai. Mastering these sound changes is a hallmark of reaching the B1 level of proficiency, as it demonstrates a grasp of Japanese phonology beyond simple rote memorization.

Beyond physical buildings, ～階 is used in conceptual hierarchies, though less frequently than other counters like 'dan' (rank/step). In the context of department stores, you will often see 'B1階' (chika ikkai) for the first basement level, usually reserved for food halls (depachika). The kanji itself, 階, consists of the 'hill' radical (阝) and a phonetic component meaning 'all' or 'together' (皆), suggesting a series of steps or levels built up together.

Basement Levels: Expressed as 'Chika' (underground) + Number + Kai. Example: Chika nikai (B2).

受付は一階です。(The reception is on the first floor.)

Using ～階 correctly involves placing it after a number and usually following it with the particle 'ni' to indicate location, or 'de' to indicate where an action takes place. For example, 'Sankai ni arimasu' (It is on the 3rd floor) vs. 'Sankai de kaimono o shimasu' (I will shop on the 3rd floor). The syntax is straightforward: [Building/Place] + [No] + [Number] + [Kai]. This structure is rigid and does not vary much regardless of the formality of the sentence.

Locative Usage: Structure: [Number]階 + に + [Verb of existence (arimasu/imasu)].

トイレは二階の奥にあります。(The restroom is at the back of the second floor.)

When describing a building's total height, you use the counter to state how many floors it has. In this case, you might say 'Jukkai-date no biru' (A ten-story building). The suffix '-date' (建て) is added to the counter to describe the structure's scale. This is a common pattern in real estate listings and architectural descriptions. For learners, distinguishing between 'the 5th floor' (gokai) and 'a 5-story building' (gokai-date) is a key step in advanced vocabulary acquisition.

Descriptive Usage: Structure: [Number]階 + 建て (date) + の + [Noun].

このアパートは五階建てです。(This apartment is five stories high.)

In more complex sentences, ～階 can be used with relative markers. For instance, 'ue no kai' (the floor above) or 'shita no kai' (the floor below). These phrases are vital when complaining about noise in an apartment or asking for directions. You might say, 'Ue no kai ga urasai desu' (The floor above is noisy). This flexibility allows the counter to function not just as a specific number, but as a relative spatial marker.

エレベーターで八階まで上がってください。(Please go up to the 8th floor by elevator.)

Basement Nuance: 'Chika' (地下) literally means 'under earth'. B1 is 'Chika Ikkai'.

デパ地下は地下一階にあります。(The department store basement is on the first basement level.)

The most common place to encounter ～階 is in retail environments. Japanese department stores (depaato) are organized meticulously by floor. The ground floor (ikkai) usually features cosmetics and luxury goods, while the top floors (joukyuukai) often house restaurants or art galleries. Listening to the store announcements or reading the floor guide (furoa gaido) will expose you to this counter repeatedly. In these contexts, you'll hear polite forms like 'Sankai ni gozaimasu' (It is on the 3rd floor) instead of the standard 'arimasu'.

Department Store Context: Floors are often grouped: 'Ladies' Wear is on the 2nd through 4th floors' (Nikai kara yonkai made).

催事場は七階でございます。(The event hall is on the 7th floor.)

Another frequent setting is in transportation hubs. Large train stations like Tokyo or Osaka Station are multi-level complexes. You might hear announcements such as 'Shinkansen noriba wa nikai desu' (The Shinkansen platform is on the 2nd floor). In these high-stress environments, recognizing the number + kai quickly is crucial for catching your train. Similarly, in office buildings, the security guard or receptionist will use this counter to direct you to your meeting. 'Juugokai no ukesuke e douzo' (Please go to the 15th floor reception).

In Japanese pop culture, particularly anime or dramas set in schools, ～階 is used to describe where specific classrooms or club rooms are located. 'Okujou' (the roof) is often the level above the top floor, but the journey there is described using floor numbers. Furthermore, in horror stories or urban legends, specific floors (like the 4th or 13th) might be mentioned due to superstitions, though the 4th floor (shi-kai, sounding like 'death') is the one more commonly avoided or noted in Japan.

このビルの四階には誰もいません。(There is no one on the 4th floor of this building.)

Elevator Announcements: 'Tsugi wa 六階、六階でございます。' (Next is the 6th floor, 6th floor.)

展望台は四十五階です。(The observation deck is on the 45th floor.)

The most frequent mistake for learners is failing to apply the euphonic changes (sound shifts) required for specific numbers. Many beginners say 'ichi-kai' instead of 'ikkai' or 'san-kai' instead of 'sangai'. While people will still understand you, it sounds unnatural and is a clear indicator of a lower proficiency level. Remembering that 1, 6, 8, and 10 cause a small 'tsu' (gemination) and 3 causes a 'voiced' sound (rendaku) is the primary hurdle for this counter.

The '3' Rule: Mistake: San-kai. Correct: Sangai. This also applies to 'Nan-gai' (which floor).
The '1, 6, 8, 10' Rule: Mistake: Ichi-kai, Roku-kai, Hachi-kai, Juu-kai. Correct: Ikkai, Rokkai, Hakkai, Jukkai.

❌ 私は八階 (hachi-kai) に行きます。
✅ 私は八階 (hakkai) に行きます。

Another common confusion arises from the word 'kai' (回), which means 'times' or 'occurrences.' While they sound identical in many cases, the kanji are different (階 for floors, 回 for times). Context usually clarifies the meaning, but in isolation, 'ikkai' could mean 'one floor' or 'one time.' Learners should be aware that 'sangai' (3rd floor) differs from 'sankai' (3 times), making the 'gai' pronunciation for the 3rd floor a vital distinction to avoid ambiguity.

Lastly, English speakers often struggle with the 'Ground Floor' vs 'First Floor' logic. In the US, the first floor is the ground level. In the UK, the ground floor is 'G' and the first floor is one level up. In Japan, the US system is followed: 1階 (ikkai) is the level you enter from the street. If you are from the UK and looking for the 'first floor,' you might accidentally go up one level too high if you aren't careful. Always remember: 1階 = Street Level.

イギリス人は一階を「ground floor」と言います。(British people call the 1st floor the 'ground floor'.)

Kanji Confusion: Do not confuse 階 (floor) with 階段 (kaidan - stairs). While related, 階 is the counter, and 階段 is the noun for the physical steps.

While ～階 is the standard counter, there are other words used to describe levels or floors depending on the context. The most common loanword is 'furoa' (フロア), taken from the English 'floor.' This is often used in retail to describe the general atmosphere or theme of a level, such as 'fasshon furoa' (fashion floor). While 'kai' is used for the number, 'furoa' is used for the description.

～階 (Kai): The standard numerical counter. Used for counting and naming specific floors (1st, 2nd, etc.).
フロア (Furoa): Used for the 'area' of a floor. Often used in marketing or to describe the floor's purpose.

このフロアはとても広いです。(This floor/area is very spacious.)

Another related term is 'sou' (層), which means 'layer' or 'stratum.' This is more academic or technical and is used to describe geological layers, social classes, or multi-layered structures in engineering. You wouldn't use 'sou' to tell someone your office is on the 5th floor, but you might use it to describe a 'five-layered' cake or a 'multi-layered' organizational structure. Similarly, 'dan' (段) is used for steps or ranks, like the steps of a staircase or grades in martial arts.

層 (Sou): Technical term for layers or strata. Used in science, sociology, and engineering.
段 (Dan): Used for steps, stairs, or levels of proficiency (e.g., black belt 1st dan).

階段を三段飛ばしで上がった。(I went up the stairs three steps at a time.)

Finally, when referring to the roof, the word is 'okujou' (屋上). While technically the level above the highest floor, it is treated as a separate noun rather than a numbered floor. You wouldn't say '11-kai' if the building only has 10 floors and a roof; you would say 'okujou'. Understanding these distinctions helps you sound more like a native speaker who understands the nuances of Japanese architecture and spatial categorization.

屋上から街が見渡せます。(You can look out over the city from the rooftop.)

How Formal Is It?

औपचारिक

"受付は一階でございます。"

तटस्थ

"会議室は三階にあります。"

अनौपचारिक

"俺の部屋、五階なんだ。"

Child friendly

"おもちゃ屋さんは四階だよ！"

बोलचाल

"上（うえ）の階、まじうるさい。"

रोचक तथ्य

In ancient Japan, the number of floors a building could have was often restricted by social rank or building technology, making high-rise structures a modern phenomenon.

उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका

UK /kaɪ/

US /kaɪ/

The pitch usually drops on the 'i' in 'kai'. In 'sangai', the pitch is relatively flat.

तुकबंदी

Ai Mai Sai Tai Hai Nai Wai Gai

आम गलतियाँ

Saying 'ichi-kai' instead of 'ikkai'.
Saying 'san-kai' instead of 'sangai'.
Saying 'hachi-kai' instead of 'hakkai'.
Saying 'juu-kai' instead of 'jukkai'.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'kai' (times/回).

कठिनाई स्तर

पठन 2/5

The kanji is moderately complex but very common. Recognizable by its radical.

लिखना 3/5

Requires practice to balance the 'hill' radical and the 'all' component.

बोलना 4/5

The sound changes (ikkai, sangai, etc.) are difficult for beginners to master.

श्रवण 3/5

Easy to hear, but must distinguish from 'kai' (times).

आगे क्या सीखें

पूर्वापेक्षाएँ

一 (One) 二 (Two) 三 (Three) ビル (Building) あります (To exist)

आगे सीखें

階段 (Stairs) エレベーター (Elevator) ～階建て (Stories high) 屋上 (Rooftop) 地下 (Basement)

उन्नत

階層 (Hierarchy) 建築 (Architecture) 不動産 (Real estate) 坪 (Tsubo - area unit) 構造 (Structure)

ज़रूरी व्याकरण

Counter Sound Changes

1 (Ikkai), 3 (Sangai), 6 (Rokkai), 8 (Hakkai), 10 (Jukkai).

Location Particle 'ni'

二階にあります (It is on the 2nd floor).

Action Particle 'de'

三階で食べます (I eat on the 3rd floor).

Suffix '-date' for building height

五階建て (5 stories high).

Relative markers 'ue' and 'shita'

上の階 (The floor above).

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

ここは一階です。

This is the first floor.

Uses 'ikkai' for 1st floor.

トイレは二階にあります。

The restroom is on the second floor.

Uses 'nikai' with the location particle 'ni'.

レストランは三階です。

The restaurant is on the third floor.

Uses 'sangai' (note the 'g' sound).

エレベーターで五階へ行きます。

I go to the fifth floor by elevator.

Uses 'gokai' with the direction particle 'he'.

本屋は四階にあります。

The bookstore is on the fourth floor.

Uses 'yonkai'.

ここは六階ですか？

Is this the sixth floor?

Uses 'rokkai' (note the double 'k').

地下一階はスーパーです。

The first basement level is a supermarket.

Uses 'chika ikkai' for B1.

受付は一階にあります。

The reception is on the first floor.

Basic existence sentence.

何階に行きますか？

Which floor are you going to?

Uses 'nan-gai' to ask which floor.

私の部屋は八階です。

My room is on the eighth floor.

Uses 'hakkai' (note the double 'k').

十階の窓から海が見えます。

You can see the sea from the window on the 10th floor.

Uses 'jukkai' (note the double 'k').

階段で二階まで上がりました。

I went up to the second floor by the stairs.

Uses 'made' to indicate the destination.

このビルは七階建てです。

This building is seven stories high.

Uses 'nanakai-date' to describe the building's height.

地下二階に駐車場があります。

There is a parking lot on the second basement level.

Uses 'chika nikai' for B2.

九階で会議があります。

There is a meeting on the ninth floor.

Uses 'de' to show where an action happens.

一階から三階までお店があります。

There are shops from the 1st to the 3rd floor.

Uses 'kara...made' for a range of floors.

上の階の足音がうるさいです。

The footsteps from the floor above are noisy.

Uses 'ue no kai' for 'floor above'.

最上階のレストランは予約が必要です。

The restaurant on the top floor requires a reservation.

Uses 'saishoukai' for 'top floor'.

このエレベーターは各階に止まります。

This elevator stops at every floor.

Uses 'kakkai' for 'every floor'.

事務所は三階の突き当たりにあります。

The office is at the end of the third floor hallway.

Combines floor number with specific location.

地下三階まで降りてください。

Please go down to the third basement level.

Uses 'chika sangai' (note the 'g').

一階のロビーで待ち合わせましょう。

Let's meet in the first-floor lobby.

Common social phrase.

この建物は十五階建てのマンションです。

This building is a fifteen-story apartment complex.

Uses 'juugokai-date'.

下の階に迷惑をかけないようにしてください。

Please try not to disturb the people on the floor below.

Uses 'shita no kai' for 'floor below'.

避難訓練の際は、階段で一階まで降りてください。

During the evacuation drill, please use the stairs to go down to the first floor.

Formal instructional language.

展望ロビーは四十五階に位置しています。

The observation lobby is located on the 45th floor.

Uses 'ichi shite iru' (is located).

このビルには中二階があります。

This building has a mezzanine (middle-second) floor.

Uses 'chuunikai' for mezzanine.

各階のフロアマップを確認してください。

Please check the floor map for each level.

Uses 'kakkai' and 'furoa mappu'.

高層階は風が強いので注意が必要です。

Be careful as the wind is strong on the upper floors.

Uses 'kousoukai' for high-level floors.

地下街は非常に複雑で迷いやすいです。

The underground shopping mall is very complex and easy to get lost in.

Uses 'chikagai' (underground mall/street).

一階部分が店舗で、二階以上が住居になっています。

The first floor part is shops, and the second floor and above are residences.

Uses 'nikai ijou' (2nd floor and above).

低層階はエレベーターを使わずに階段を利用する人が多い。

Many people on the lower floors use the stairs instead of the elevator.

Uses 'teisoukai' for lower floors.

建築基準法により、三階建て以上の建物には厳しい規制があります。

According to the Building Standards Act, there are strict regulations for buildings with three or more stories.

Formal legal/technical context.

この寺院の五重塔は、各階に仏像が安置されています。

In this temple's five-story pagoda, Buddhist statues are enshrined on each level.

Uses 'gojuunotou' (five-story pagoda).

最上階からの眺望は、この物件の最大の売りです。

The view from the top floor is the biggest selling point of this property.

Uses 'choubou' (view/outlook).

地下階の浸水対策として、止水板を設置しました。

As a measure against flooding on the basement floors, water barrier plates were installed.

Technical safety context.

建物の階層構造を理解することは、都市計画において重要です。

Understanding the hierarchical structure of buildings is important in urban planning.

Uses 'kaisou kouzou' (hierarchical/layered structure).

四階は縁起が悪いとされることがあり、病院などでは欠番になることもある。

The fourth floor is sometimes considered unlucky, and in places like hospitals, it may be skipped in numbering.

Cultural nuance explanation.

吹き抜けがあるため、二階から一階の様子がよく見えます。

Because of the open ceiling (atrium), you can see the first floor clearly from the second floor.

Uses 'fukinuke' (atrium/open ceiling).

各階の床面積を合計して、延べ床面積を算出します。

The total floor area is calculated by summing the floor area of each level.

Technical architectural term 'nobeyuka menseki'.

超高層ビルの上層階では、気圧の変化で耳に違和感を覚えることがある。

On the upper floors of super-tall buildings, one may experience discomfort in the ears due to changes in atmospheric pressure.

Scientific/physiological context.

その古文書には、かつての城郭の階層ごとの役割が詳細に記されている。

The ancient document details the roles of each level of the former castle fortification.

Historical/literary context.

階下の住人との騒音トラブルは、集合住宅における普遍的な課題である。

Noise disputes with downstairs residents are a universal challenge in multi-unit housing.

Uses 'kaika' (downstairs/floor below).

この建築物は、地上の階数と地下の階数が等しいシンメトリーな構造だ。

This building has a symmetrical structure where the number of floors above ground equals the number of floors below ground.

Complex architectural description.

階位制に基づき、宮廷内での立ち位置が厳格に定められていた。

Based on the rank system, one's standing within the imperial court was strictly determined.

Uses 'kaii' (rank/level) in a historical social context.

都市の重層的な発展は、地下階の有効活用なしには語れない。

The multi-layered development of a city cannot be discussed without the effective utilization of basement levels.

Academic urban theory.

エレベーターの制御システムは、各階の呼び出しを最適に処理するよう設計されている。

The elevator control system is designed to optimally process calls from each floor.

Engineering/technical context.

その小説の舞台となる塔は、百階を超え、雲を突き抜けていた。

The tower that serves as the setting for that novel exceeded a hundred floors and pierced the clouds.

Literary/imaginative context.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

一階建て

最上階

地下一階

高層階

低層階

各階

上の階

下の階

何階

全階

सामान्य वाक्यांश

一階のロビー

三階のレストラン

地下の駐車場

エレベーターで五階へ

階段で二階へ

最上階の眺め

各階の案内図

十階建てのビル

四階は欠番

一階の受付

अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है

～階 vs 回 (Kai)

Means 'times' or 'occurrences'. Sounds the same but the kanji is different.

～階 vs 階段 (Kaidan)

Means 'stairs'. It is a noun, while 'kai' is a counter.

～階 vs 階級 (Kaikyuu)

Means 'social class' or 'rank'. Uses the same kanji but in a different context.

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

"二階から目薬"

Doing something in a roundabout and ineffective way. Literally 'eye drops from the second floor'.

それは二階から目薬のような解決策だ。

Idiomatic

"空中楼閣"

A castle in the air; an unrealistic plan. Literally 'a multi-story building in the sky'.

彼の計画は空中楼閣に過ぎない。

Literary

"高嶺の花"

Something out of reach. While not using 'kai', it relates to the concept of high levels/heights.

彼女は僕にとって高嶺の花だ。

Common

"一段落"

To reach a stopping point or a stage of completion. Uses 'dan' (level).

仕事が一段落した。

Common

"一階一階"

Floor by floor. Used to describe a slow or thorough process.

一階一階、丁寧に掃除する。

Neutral

"階級社会"

A class-based society. Uses 'kai' in a hierarchical sense.

かつての日本は階級社会だった。

Academic

"階段を上る"

To move up in the world or progress. Literally 'climb the stairs'.

成功への階段を上る。

Metaphorical

"地下に潜る"

To go underground (literally or figuratively).

犯人は地下に潜った。

Common

"雲の上の存在"

Someone far above one's own status. Literally 'existence above the clouds'.

社長は私にとって雲の上の存在だ。

Metaphorical

"最上級"

The highest grade or superlative. Uses 'kyuu' (grade) but relates to 'kai' (level).

最上級のサービスを提供する。

Formal

आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले

～階 vs フロア

Both mean 'floor'.

'Kai' is for the number (3rd floor), 'Furoa' is for the space (This floor is big).

三階のフロア (The 3rd floor area).

～階 vs 段

Both refer to levels.

'Kai' is for building floors, 'Dan' is for steps or ranks.

階段を二段飛ばす (Skip two steps).

～階 vs 層

Both refer to layers.

'Kai' is for buildings, 'Sou' is technical or for strata.

地層 (Geological layer).

～階 vs 級

Both refer to levels.

'Kai' is physical floors, 'Kyuu' is for grades or proficiency.

日本語能力試験一級 (JLPT N1).

～階 vs 番

Both are counters.

'Kai' is for floors, 'Ban' is for order or numbers (No. 1).

一番乗り (First to arrive).

वाक्य संरचनाएँ

[Place] は [Number] 階です。

トイレは二階です。

[Number] 階に [Noun] があります。

三階に本屋があります。

[Number] 階建ての [Noun]。

十階建てのビル。

[Relative] の階。

上の階がうるさい。

[Number] 階から [Number] 階まで。

二階から五階までがオフィスです。

[Number] 階に位置する。

展望台は四十五階に位置する。

[Number] 階層。

三階層の構造。

[Number] 階に安置される。

仏像が各階に安置される。

शब्द परिवार

संज्ञा

इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, especially in urban areas.

सामान्य गलतियाँ

Ichi-kai → Ikkai
The number 1 (ichi) always combines with 'kai' to form a geminate (double) consonant.
San-kai → Sangai
The number 3 (san) triggers rendaku, changing 'k' to 'g'.
Hachi-kai → Hakkai
The number 8 (hachi) usually shortens to 'ha' with a small 'tsu' before 'kai'.
Juu-kai → Jukkai / Jikkai
The number 10 (juu) becomes 'juk' or 'jik' before the counter 'kai'.
Nan-kai? → Nan-gai?
When asking 'which floor', the 'gai' pronunciation is the standard voiced version.

सुझाव

The Kite Rule

Imagine a Kite (Kai) flying up to different levels. It's an easy way to link the sound to the concept of floors.

The 1-3-6-8-10 Song

Sing the irregulars: Ikkai, Sangai, Rokkai, Hakkai, Jukkai. Rhythm helps the brain store these sound shifts.

Depachika Adventure

Visit a 'Depachika' (B1 of a department store). It's the best place to hear 'chika ikkai' and see the counter in action.

Ni vs De

Use 'ni' for where something IS (existence) and 'de' for where you DO something (action) on a floor.

Elevator Watching

Watch the numbers change in an elevator and say the Japanese word for each floor as it lights up.

Kanji Breakdown

The kanji 階 has 12 strokes. Practice the right side '皆' separately as it appears in many other words.

Train Station Cues

Listen for 'nikai' in train stations; it's almost always where the main ticket gates or platforms are located.

Related Words

Learn 'kaidan' (stairs) and 'erebeetaa' (elevator) at the same time as 'kai' to build a word cluster.

Elevator Manners

If you are near the buttons, it's polite to hold the 'open' button and ask others 'Nan-gai desu ka?'

Building Height

Try describing buildings you see as 'X-kai-date' to practice the building-height suffix.

याद करें

स्मृति सहायक

Think of a 'Kite' (Kai) flying to different 'floors' of a building. Each floor is a new level for the kite to reach.

दृश्य संबंध

Imagine the kanji 階 as a ladder (the right side looks a bit like steps) leaning against a hill (the left radical 阝).

Word Web

Building Elevator Stairs Level Story Basement Rooftop Apartment

चैलेंज

Try to count from 1 to 10 using 'kai' without looking at a reference, paying special attention to 1, 3, 6, 8, and 10.

शब्द की उत्पत्ति

The kanji 階 comes from Middle Chinese. The left radical 阝 (hill/mound) suggests height or elevation, while the right side 皆 (all/together) provides the phonetic component and suggests a series of steps or levels built together.

मूल अर्थ: Steps or a ladder leading to a high place.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ

Be aware of the '4' and '9' superstitions in medical or hospitality settings.

US speakers will find the 1st-floor-as-ground-level system familiar, while UK/Australian speakers must adjust.

The movie 'The Floating Castle' (Nobo no Shiro) refers to castle structures. Tokyo Tower's observation decks are often referenced by their floor height. The '4th floor' superstition is a common trope in Japanese horror.

असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें

वास्तविक संदर्भ

Shopping Mall

何階にありますか？
三階の婦人服売場
地下一階の食料品
エスカレーターで上へ

Apartment Hunting

何階建てですか？
二階の角部屋
日当たりの良い高層階
一階はコンビニ

Office Building

受付は一階です
十五階の会議室
各階に給湯室がある
エレベーターは左側です

Train Station

ホームは二階です
地下三階の改札
一階のコインロッカー
連絡通路は二階

Hotel

お部屋は八階です
最上階のバー
一階の朝食会場
避難経路は各階に掲示

बातचीत की शुरुआत

"あなたの部屋は何階にありますか？ (What floor is your room on?)"

"デパートの地下一階に行ったことがありますか？ (Have you ever been to a department store basement?)"

"高層階と低層階、どちらに住みたいですか？ (Would you rather live on a high floor or a low floor?)"

"このビルのトイレは何階ですか？ (Which floor is the toilet in this building?)"

"階段で五階まで上がれますか？ (Can you go up to the 5th floor by stairs?)"

डायरी विषय

今日行った建物の階数について書いてください。 (Write about the number of floors in a building you went to today.)

理想のマンションは何階建てで、あなたは何階に住みたいですか？ (How many stories is your ideal apartment, and what floor do you want to live on?)

日本のデパートの各階の印象を説明してください。 (Describe your impression of each floor of a Japanese department store.)

上の階の騒音に困ったことはありますか？ (Have you ever had trouble with noise from the floor above?)

地下階にあるお店のメリットとデメリットを考えてください。 (Think about the pros and cons of shops located on basement floors.)

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

Yes, in Japan, the 1st floor (1階 - ikkai) is the floor at street level. This is the same as the US system but different from the UK system where the ground floor is 0.

This is due to a phonetic phenomenon called 'rendaku' (sequential voicing). In Japanese, the first sound of the second part of a compound often becomes voiced. For the number 3, 'kai' becomes 'gai'.

You use the word 'chika' (地下) before the floor number. For example, B1 is 'chika ikkai' and B2 is 'chika nikai'.

'Kai' refers to a specific floor (e.g., the 3rd floor), while 'kai-date' describes how many stories a building has in total (e.g., a 3-story building).

Sometimes the 4th floor is skipped or used for non-patient purposes because the number 4 (shi) sounds like the word for 'death'. However, this is becoming less common in modern buildings.

You say 'Nan-gai?' (何階). Note that it uses the 'gai' pronunciation, similar to 'sangai'.

'Okujou' (屋上) means the rooftop. It is the flat area on top of the building, usually above the highest numbered floor.

Yes, the changes follow the last digit. 11th floor is 'juu-ikkai', 13th is 'juu-sangai', and 20th is 'ni-jukkai'.

No, for steps of a ladder or stairs, you should use the counter 'dan' (段).

'Chuunikai' (中二階) refers to a mezzanine floor, which is a partial floor between two main stories, usually between the 1st and 2nd floors.