This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #4,500 most common 8 min read

계급

gyegeup Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 계급 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 계급 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '계급' (gye-geup) means 'rank' or 'level,' usually in the context of people. You might see it in simple games or hear it when people talk about the military in very basic terms. At this stage, just remember that it describes who is 'higher' or 'lower' in a group. For example, in a game, a King has a higher '계급' than a Knight. You don't need to worry about the complex social or political meanings yet. Just focus on the idea of a ladder. If you see a picture of a soldier with stars on their shoulder, that is their '계급.' It is a noun, so you can say things like '계급이 높아요' (The rank is high) or '계급이 낮아요' (The rank is low). Think of it like 'level' in a video game, but for real-life jobs like soldiers or police officers. It is a useful word to recognize when watching Korean dramas about soldiers. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand why some characters speak very politely to others—it is often because of their '계급.'

At the A2 level, you can start using '계급' in simple sentences to describe hierarchies you see in daily life or media. You should understand that '계급' is specifically used for structured organizations like the military or police. You might say, '군대에는 많은 계급이 있습니다' (There are many ranks in the army). You can also use it to talk about the historical class system in a simple way when learning about Korean history, such as '옛날 한국에는 계급 사회였습니다' (Old Korea was a class society). At this level, you should be able to distinguish '계급' from '이름' (name) or '나이' (age). While age is important in Korea, '계급' is a separate system of authority. You might also encounter this word in online games where you 'rank up.' When you win a lot of games, your '계급' goes up. You can practice by saying '제 계급이 올라갔어요!' (My rank went up!). This helps you get used to the verb '올라가다' (to go up) which is frequently paired with '계급.'

At the B1 level, you should understand the broader social implications of '계급.' You are now moving beyond just 'military rank' and into 'social class.' You might read articles or watch news segments discussing '사회 계급' (social class) and how it affects people's lives. You should be able to use the word in sentences that describe social issues, like '계급 간의 차이' (differences between classes). You will also notice that '계급' is used in discussions about history, particularly the Joseon Dynasty's '신분' and '계급' systems. At this level, you should start to notice how '계급' influences the level of politeness (honorifics) used in Korean. A person with a higher '계급' will be addressed with more formal language. You should also be able to use related verbs like '나누다' (to divide) or '정하다' (to decide). For example, '사람들을 계급으로 나누는 것은 나쁩니다' (Dividing people by rank is bad). This level requires you to understand that '계급' is not just a label but a system that defines power dynamics in Korean culture.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '계급' in academic, professional, or sociological contexts. You can discuss complex topics like '계급 갈등' (class conflict) or '계급 의식' (class consciousness). You should understand how '계급' differs from '계층' (strata) and '직급' (job title). For instance, you can explain that while a company has '직급' (titles like Manager), the military has '계급' (ranks like Captain). You might participate in a debate about whether modern society still has a '계급' system, using phrases like '보이지 않는 계급' (invisible class). You should also be familiar with idiomatic or metaphorical uses, such as '계급장을 떼다' (to remove rank insignias), which means to talk or fight as equals. At this stage, your vocabulary should include collocations like '지배 계급' (ruling class) and '피지배 계급' (the ruled class). You should be able to read literature or watch sophisticated films like 'Parasite' and discuss how '계급' is portrayed as a barrier between characters. Your understanding of the word should reflect a deep awareness of Korean social structure and history.

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of '계급' and can use it to analyze literature, history, and sociology at a high level. You understand the Marxist connotations of '계급' (proletariat vs. bourgeoisie) and can discuss these theories in Korean. You can use the word to describe subtle social hierarchies in modern Korea, such as the 'Gold Spoon/Dirt Spoon' (수저 계급론) discourse, and explain its impact on the younger generation's psyche. You are aware of how '계급' interacts with other social factors like '학벌' (educational background) and '재력' (wealth). In writing, you can use '계급' to construct sophisticated arguments about social mobility or structural inequality. You also understand the historical evolution of the word from the 'Gwa-geo' (civil service exam) ranks to modern military structures. You can distinguish between '계급' as a formal system and '권위' (authority) as a personal trait. Your usage should be precise, choosing '계급' over '신분' or '지위' based on the exact context of the discussion. You can also appreciate and use the word in poetic or metaphorical contexts in literature.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '계급' and all its subtle undertones. You can engage in deep philosophical or political discussions about the nature of hierarchy itself. You understand the historical nuances of how '계급' was used in different eras of Korean history, from the Three Kingdoms to the modern day. You can analyze how the concept of '계급' has shifted from a hereditary system to one based on meritocracy and capital, and critique the flaws in these systems using advanced vocabulary. You are familiar with obscure legal or military terms involving '계급' and can interpret complex texts that use the word in specialized ways. You can also use '계급' with a sense of irony or satire in creative writing to critique social norms. Your understanding extends to how '계급' is reflected in the very structure of the Korean language (the 'Jondaetmal' system) and how this affects interpersonal relationships at a psychological level. You can seamlessly switch between different registers, using '계급' in a formal lecture or in a casual but profound conversation about life's 'ranks.' You are essentially a master of the word's cultural, historical, and linguistic footprint.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

계급 in 30 Seconds

Rank or grade in a hierarchy (military/police).
Social class or stratum in society.
A level in a competitive system (gaming).
Used with verbs like 'rise', 'divide', or 'abolish'.

The Korean word 계급 (gye-geup) is a noun that primarily refers to a position or grade within a structured hierarchy, most commonly associated with the military, police, or social classes. In a literal sense, it translates to 'rank' or 'class.' For English speakers, understanding '계급' is crucial because Korean society is deeply influenced by hierarchical structures, stemming from both its Confucian roots and the mandatory military service for men. When you hear this word, think of it as a ladder where each rung represents a specific level of authority, privilege, or social standing. It is not just about a title; it defines the language one uses (honorifics), the responsibilities one holds, and the respect one is accorded.

Military Context: In the South Korean military, '계급' is the absolute identifier of a soldier's status. It determines everything from their living quarters to the way they are addressed. Common military ranks include 이병 (Private), 일병 (Private First Class), 상병 (Corporal), and 병장 (Sergeant).
Social Context: Historically, '계급' referred to the rigid caste system of the Joseon Dynasty (Yangban, Jungin, Sangmin, Cheonmin). Today, it is used sociologically to discuss economic or social classes, such as the 'working class' (노동 계급) or 'middle class' (중산층, though '계급' can be used in academic discussions of Marxist theory or social stratification).
Gaming and Pop Culture: In online gaming, '계급' often refers to a player's rank or level in a competitive ladder. In movies like 'Snowpiercer' (설국열차) or 'Parasite' (기생충), '계급' is a central theme exploring the divide between the rich and the poor.

군대에서는 계급이 가장 중요한 질서입니다. (In the military, rank is the most important order.)

그 영화는 사회적 계급 간의 갈등을 다루고 있어요. (That movie deals with conflicts between social classes.)

Furthermore, '계급' is often paired with verbs like '상승하다' (to rise) or '타파하다' (to overthrow/abolish). In modern discourse, you might hear the term '수저 계급론' (Spoon Class Theory), which categorizes people into 'Gold Spoons' or 'Dirt Spoons' based on their parents' wealth. This shows how deeply the concept of '계급' remains embedded in the Korean psyche, even in a modern democracy. It represents the structural barriers and levels that define a person's journey through life, whether in a uniform or in the corporate world. Understanding '계급' is more than just learning a word; it is gaining a lens through which to view Korean social dynamics and history.

Using 계급 correctly involves understanding the verbs and adjectives that typically accompany it. Because it refers to a vertical structure, words related to height, movement, and assignment are common. When you talk about someone's rank, you use '높다' (high) or '낮다' (low). When someone is promoted, the verb '오르다' (to rise) or '승진하다' (to be promoted) is used, though '계급이 올라가다' is the most natural way to say one's rank went up.

Basic Descriptions: To describe someone's rank: '그는 군대에서 계급이 높아요' (He has a high rank in the military). To talk about the system: '계급 사회' (A class-based society).
Action Verbs: '계급을 나누다' (to divide into ranks), '계급을 정하다' (to decide a rank), '계급을 속이다' (to fake/hide one's rank). In a revolutionary sense: '계급을 타파하다' (to abolish the class system).

그는 열심히 노력해서 계급이 한 단계 올라갔다. (He worked hard and his rank rose by one level.)

In academic or political writing, '계급' is used to describe the struggle between different strata of society. For example, '노동 계급의 권익' (the rights and interests of the working class). In this context, it is synonymous with 'class' in the Marxist sense. It is also used in biological classifications, though less commonly than '강' (class) or '목' (order). In everyday conversation, however, 90% of the time you will hear it in the context of the military or a very strict hierarchical organization. When using it, remember that it implies a fixed, official status rather than a temporary or informal one.

You will encounter 계급 in several distinct environments in Korea. The most prevalent is the military. Every Korean male who serves in the army is acutely aware of their '계급' and the '계급' of everyone around them. This awareness permeates into civilian life, where older men might discuss their service days and the ranks they achieved. If you watch military-themed K-Dramas like 'D.P.' or 'Search,' the word '계급' is used in almost every episode to emphasize the power dynamics and the chain of command.

드라마에서 주인공은 낮은 계급에도 불구하고 용감하게 싸웠다. (In the drama, the protagonist fought bravely despite his low rank.)

News and Media: News reports on social inequality often use '계급' to describe the widening gap between the wealthy and the poor. Phrases like '계급 갈등' (class conflict) or '신(新) 계급 사회' (new class society) are common headlines when discussing housing prices or educational disparities.
Historical Dramas (Sa-geuk): In period dramas, characters often lament their '낮은 계급' (low social status/birth rank) which prevents them from marrying the person they love or attaining a government position. Here, it refers to the rigid hereditary status system.

Finally, you will hear this in the gaming community. Whether it's a first-person shooter (FPS) or a real-time strategy (RTS) game, players often strive to reach a higher '계급' to show off their skill level. Phrases like '계급이 뭐예요?' (What's your rank?) are common in gaming cafes (PC Bangs). In summary, '계급' is a word that signifies authority and structure, appearing wherever there is a clear distinction between levels of power or achievement.

For English speakers, the most common mistake is using 계급 in situations where '직급' (jik-geup) or '등급' (deung-geup) is more appropriate. While all three can be translated as 'rank' or 'grade' in English, their usage in Korean is strictly partitioned. Using '계급' in an office setting might make you sound like you think the company is a military battalion, which could be perceived as strange or overly aggressive.

계급 vs. 직급 (Jik-geup): '계급' is for military, police, and social classes. '직급' is for corporate titles like Manager (과장), Director (부장), etc. If you say '제 회사 계급은 과장입니다,' it sounds awkward. Use '제 직급은 과장입니다' instead.
계급 vs. 등급 (Deung-geup): '등급' is used for the quality of objects or results. You have a '등급' for Korean beef (Han-u), a '등급' for your CSAT (Suneung) scores, and a '등급' for movie age ratings. You do not have a '계급' for these things.

Incorrect: 이 소고기는 1계급입니다. (This beef is rank 1.)
Correct: 이 소고기는 1등급입니다. (This beef is Grade 1.)

Another mistake is overusing '계급' when talking about social status in a casual way. While '계급' is used for social classes, in a casual conversation about someone's wealth or status, '형편' (circumstances) or '지위' (position) might be more natural. '계급' carries a heavy, systemic connotation, so using it to describe a friend who just bought an expensive car might feel too dramatic or politically charged.

To master 계급, you must know its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. Korean has many words for 'rank,' 'status,' and 'position,' each fitting a specific social slot. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid the 'one-word-fits-all' trap that many learners fall into.

신분 (Sin-bun): This refers to one's social identity or birthright status. In historical contexts, it's the caste you were born into. In modern contexts, it can mean 'identity' (as in 'identity card' - 신분증). While '계급' is a rung on a ladder, '신분' is who you are in the eyes of the law or society.
지위 (Ji-wi): This means 'position' or 'standing.' It is often used for social or professional standing. '사회적 지위' (social standing) is a very common phrase. It is less rigid than '계급' and more about the respect or influence one holds.
서열 (Seo-yeol): This refers to a 'ranking' or 'order' based on a specific criteria (like age, power, or score). In a group of friends, there might be a '서열' based on age. It is the sequence in which people or things are arranged.

Comparison:
1. 군대 계급 (Military Rank)
2. 사회적 지위 (Social Status)
3. 신분증 (ID Card)

When choosing between these, ask yourself: Is this an official military/police rank? (Use 계급). Is this about someone's general standing in society? (Use 지위). Is this about their legal identity or historical caste? (Use 신분). Is this about the order of people in a group? (Use 서열). By distinguishing these, you will accurately reflect the complex social hierarchy that is so central to Korean culture and language.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 階 (gye) also appears in '계단' (stairs), while 級 (geup) appears in '등급' (grade). Together, they perfectly visualize the 'ladder' of hierarchy.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kje̞ɡɯp/

US /kjeɪɡʌp/

The stress is generally even, but the first syllable '계' is often slightly longer.

Rhymes With

보급 (bo-geup - supply) 상급 (sang-geup - upper level) 초급 (cho-geup - beginner level) 지급 (ji-geup - payment) 등급 (deung-geup - grade) 취급 (chwi-geup - handling) 중급 (jung-geup - intermediate) 고급 (go-geup - advanced)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '계' as '개' (gae). '계' has a distinct 'y' glide.
Releasing the final 'p' in '급'. In Korean, final consonants are unreleased stops.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is simple, but it appears in complex sociological texts.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of specific collocations and Hanja nuances.

Speaking 3/5

Common in military or gaming contexts, but rare in casual daily life.

Listening 3/5

Clearly pronounced, but often used in fast-paced dramas or news.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

군대 (military) 사회 (society) 높다 (high) 낮다 (low) 사람 (person)

Learn Next

직급 (job title) 등급 (grade) 신분 (status) 계층 (strata) 서열 (order)

Advanced

프롤레타리아 (proletariat) 부르주아 (bourgeoisie) 사회 이동성 (social mobility) 기득권 (vested interests) 양극화 (polarization)

Grammar to Know

-에 따라 (According to)

계급에 따라 책임이 달라요.

-보다 (Comparison)

나이보다 계급이 중요해요.

-(으)ㄹ수록 (The more... the more...)

계급이 높을수록 말이 적어져요.

-(이)라고 하다 (To be called)

이것을 '계급'이라고 합니다.

-에 의해 (By / Based on)

돈에 의해 계급이 결정되기도 합니다.

Examples by Level

그는 군대 계급이 낮아요.

He has a low military rank.

'계급이' is the subject. '낮아요' is the adjective 'low' in polite style.

제 게임 계급은 병사입니다.

My game rank is 'Soldier'.

'게임 계급' is a compound noun. '입니다' is the formal 'to be'.

왕의 계급은 아주 높아요.

A king's rank is very high.

'아주' means 'very'. '높아요' is 'high'.

이 계급은 무엇입니까?

What is this rank?

'무엇입니까' is the formal question form of 'what is'.

계급이 같아요.

The ranks are the same.

'같아요' means 'to be the same'.

저 사람은 계급이 없어요.

That person has no rank.

'없어요' means 'to not have/exist'.

계급이 중요해요?

Is rank important?

'중요해요' means 'to be important'.

여기에 계급을 쓰세요.

Write your rank here.

'-으세요' is a polite command form.

군대에는 많은 계급이 있습니다.

There are many ranks in the military.

'많은' is the adjective 'many' modifying '계급'.

그의 계급은 장군입니다.

His rank is general.

'장군' means 'general'.

계급이 올라가면 기분이 좋아요.

When your rank goes up, you feel good.

'-(으)면' means 'if' or 'when'.

옛날에는 계급 사회였습니다.

In the old days, it was a class society.

'사회' means 'society'. '-였습니다' is the past tense of 'to be'.

계급에 따라 옷이 달라요.

Clothes are different depending on the rank.

'-에 따라' means 'according to'.

그는 낮은 계급에서 시작했습니다.

He started from a low rank.

'시작했습니다' is the past tense of 'to start'.

계급을 확인하고 싶어요.

I want to check the rank.

'-고 싶어요' means 'want to'.

이 게임은 계급이 10개 있어요.

This game has 10 ranks.

'10개' uses the native Korean counting system.

군대에서는 나이보다 계급이 더 중요합니다.

In the military, rank is more important than age.

'-보다' is used for comparison (than).

그 영화는 사회 계급의 문제를 다룹니다.

That movie deals with the problem of social class.

'다룹니다' means 'to deal with' or 'to handle'.

계급이 높을수록 책임이 커집니다.

The higher the rank, the greater the responsibility.

'-(으)ㄹ수록' means 'the more..., the more...'.

조선 시대에는 엄격한 계급 제도가 있었습니다.

There was a strict class system in the Joseon Dynasty.

'엄격한' means 'strict'.

그들은 계급 차별에 반대했습니다.

They opposed class discrimination.

'차별' means 'discrimination'. '반대하다' means 'to oppose'.

계급이 바뀌면 대우도 달라집니다.

When the rank changes, the treatment also changes.

'대우' means 'treatment'.

자본주의 사회에서도 보이지 않는 계급이 존재합니다.

Even in a capitalist society, invisible classes exist.

'존재하다' means 'to exist'.

그는 자신의 계급을 자랑스러워합니다.

He is proud of his rank.

'자랑스러워하다' means 'to be proud of'.

계급 갈등은 역사적으로 피할 수 없는 문제였습니다.

Class conflict has been an unavoidable problem historically.

'갈등' means 'conflict'. '피할 수 없는' means 'unavoidable'.

현대 사회의 계급은 돈에 의해 결정되기도 합니다.

Modern social class is sometimes determined by money.

'-에 의해' means 'by'. '-기도 하다' means 'also/sometimes'.

그는 계급장을 떼고 솔직하게 대화하자고 제안했다.

He suggested taking off rank insignias and talking honestly.

'계급장을 떼다' is an idiom for 'to talk as equals'.

계급 의식이 강한 사람들은 예의를 중시합니다.

People with strong class consciousness value etiquette.

'의식' means 'consciousness'. '중시하다' means 'to value/emphasize'.

이 제도는 계급 간의 이동을 어렵게 만듭니다.

This system makes movement between classes difficult.

'이동' means 'movement/mobility'.

그는 노동 계급의 권리를 위해 평생을 바쳤다.

He dedicated his whole life to the rights of the working class.

'바쳤다' is the past tense of 'to dedicate/devote'.

지배 계급은 자신의 기득권을 유지하려 노력한다.

The ruling class tries to maintain its vested interests.

'기득권' means 'vested interests'.

계급 구조가 무너지면 사회적 혼란이 올 수 있다.

If the class structure collapses, social chaos may follow.

'구조' means 'structure'. '혼란' means 'chaos'.

수저 계급론은 한국 청년들의 좌절감을 반영한다.

The Spoon Class Theory reflects the frustration of Korean youth.

'반영하다' means 'to reflect'. '좌절감' means 'frustration'.

마르크스는 계급 투쟁이 역사의 원동력이라고 주장했다.

Marx argued that class struggle is the driving force of history.

'투쟁' means 'struggle'. '원동력' means 'driving force'.

사회의 경직된 계급화는 창의성을 저해할 수 있습니다.

The rigid stratification of society can hinder creativity.

'경직된' means 'rigid'. '저해하다' means 'to hinder'.

그의 작품은 신분과 계급을 초월한 사랑을 노래합니다.

His work sings of love that transcends status and rank.

'초월하다' means 'to transcend'.

정치적 이데올로기는 종종 계급 이익을 대변합니다.

Political ideologies often represent class interests.

'대변하다' means 'to represent/speak for'.

계급적 연대가 사회 변화의 핵심적인 요소가 되었다.

Class solidarity has become a key element of social change.

'연대' means 'solidarity'. '핵심적인' means 'key/core'.

신자유주의는 새로운 형태의 계급 불평등을 야기했다.

Neoliberalism has caused a new form of class inequality.

'야기하다' means 'to cause/bring about'.

그는 계급의 벽을 허물기 위해 교육의 중요성을 강조했다.

He emphasized the importance of education to tear down class walls.

'허물다' means 'to tear down/demolish'.

계급의 고착화는 민주주의의 근간을 위협하는 요소이다.

The solidification of classes is an element that threatens the foundation of democracy.

'고착화' means 'solidification/becoming permanent'.

부의 세습은 현대판 계급 제도를 공고히 하고 있다.

The inheritance of wealth is strengthening the modern-day class system.

'공고히 하다' means 'to strengthen/solidify'.

계급적 정체성은 개인의 가치관 형성에 지대한 영향을 미친다.

Class identity has a profound influence on the formation of an individual's values.

'지대한' means 'profound/immense'.

포스트모더니즘은 전통적인 계급 담론에 의문을 제기한다.

Postmodernism raises questions about traditional class discourse.

'담론' means 'discourse'. '의문을 제기하다' means 'to raise a question'.

정보 격차는 디지털 시대의 새로운 계급 분화 기준이 되었다.

The information gap has become a new criterion for class differentiation in the digital age.

'격차' means 'gap'. '분화' means 'differentiation'.

계급적 위계는 언어적 표현 속에 고스란히 녹아 있다.

Class hierarchy is fully embedded within linguistic expressions.

'고스란히' means 'entirely/just as it is'.

엘리트 계급의 폐쇄성은 사회적 역동성을 저하시킨다.

The closed nature of the elite class reduces social dynamism.

'폐쇄성' means 'closedness/exclusivity'.

계급 해방을 향한 열망은 인류 역사의 끊임없는 동력이었다.

The desire for class liberation has been a constant drive in human history.

'해방' means 'liberation'. '열망' means 'desire/aspiration'.

Common Collocations

계급이 높다

계급이 낮다

계급을 나누다

계급 사회

계급 갈등

계급 투쟁

계급이 올라가다

계급을 타파하다

계급 의식

군대 계급

Common Phrases

계급장 떼고

— To act or speak as equals, ignoring rank.

우리 오늘만 계급장 떼고 편하게 얘기합시다.

계급이 깡패다

— Slang meaning 'rank is everything' (rank is like a bully).

군대에서는 계급이 깡패라는 말이 있어.

사회적 계급

— Social class or standing.

사회적 계급에 따른 차별은 없어야 한다.

노동 계급

— The working class.

노동 계급의 권익을 보호해야 합니다.

지배 계급

— The ruling class.

지배 계급은 변화를 원하지 않는다.

중산 계급

— The middle class.

중산 계급이 튼튼해야 나라가 안정된다.

피지배 계급

— The ruled or oppressed class.

피지배 계급의 목소리에 귀를 기울여야 한다.

계급 구조

— The structure of ranks/classes.

이 조직의 계급 구조는 매우 수직적이다.

계급 상승

— Rising in social or military rank.

교육은 계급 상승의 사다리 역할을 한다.

계급 분화

— Class differentiation.

산업화 이후 계급 분화가 뚜렷해졌다.

Often Confused With

계급 vs 직급

Used for corporate titles (Manager, Director). '계급' is for military/police.

계급 vs 등급

Used for quality or scores (Meat grade, test grade). '계급' is for people's status.

계급 vs 신분

Used for identity or birthright status. '계급' is more about the structure of ranks.

Idioms & Expressions

"계급장을 떼다"

— To set aside one's status or rank to deal with someone as an equal.

계급장 떼고 한판 붙자!

Informal

"계급이 깡패"

— A cynical expression meaning rank is the ultimate power.

억울해도 참아야지, 계급이 깡패인데.

Slang

"사다리 걷어차기"

— Kicking away the ladder (preventing others from rising in rank/class).

이미 성공한 사람들이 사다리 걷어차기를 하고 있다.

Metaphorical

"개천에서 용 난다"

— A dragon rises from a small stream (rising from a low class to high success).

요즘은 개천에서 용 나기 힘든 계급 사회다.

Proverb

"금수저 물고 태어나다"

— Born with a gold spoon (born into a high class).

그는 금수저 계급이라 고생을 모른다.

Slang

"흙수저"

— Dirt spoon (born into a low class).

나는 흙수저 계급이라서 더 열심히 살아야 해.

Slang

"보이지 않는 유리천장"

— Invisible glass ceiling (inability to rise in rank due to discrimination).

여성들에게는 여전히 계급의 유리천장이 존재한다.

Metaphorical

"그들만의 리그"

— Their own league (exclusive high-class circles).

상류 계급의 파티는 그들만의 리그였다.

Informal

"신분 세탁"

— Washing one's status (faking or changing one's class background).

그는 과거를 숨기고 신분 세탁을 시도했다.

Informal

"윗물이 맑아야 아랫물이 맑다"

— The lower water is clear only if the upper water is clear (high ranks must set a good example).

계급이 높은 사람들부터 모범을 보여야지.

Proverb

Easily Confused

계급 vs 계층

Both mean 'class' or 'strata'.

'계급' is more rigid and often implies conflict or military structure. '계층' is more academic and used for social layers (middle class, etc.).

사회 계층 이동이 활발해야 한다.

계급 vs 직위

Both refer to a position.

'직위' is the specific name of a position in an office. '계급' is the level in a rank-based system.

그의 직위는 팀장이다.

계급 vs 서열

Both involve order.

'서열' is the sequence (1st, 2nd, 3rd) based on any criteria. '계급' is the formal category/rank.

나이순으로 서열을 정했다.

계급 vs 수준

Both mean level.

'수준' is about quality, skill, or standard. '계급' is about official rank.

그의 한국어 수준은 높다.

계급 vs 단계

Both mean step/stage.

'단계' is a step in a process. '계급' is a level in a social structure.

다음 단계로 넘어갑시다.

Sentence Patterns

N은/는 계급이 높아요.

그는 계급이 높아요.

계급이 올라갔어요.

제 게임 계급이 올라갔어요.

계급에 따라 N이/가 달라요.

계급에 따라 옷이 달라요.

계급보다 N이/가 중요해요.

나이보다 계급이 중요해요.

계급 간의 갈등이 있어요.

계급 간의 갈등이 심해지고 있어요.

계급장을 떼고 V-자.

계급장을 떼고 얘기하자.

계급을 초월한 N

계급을 초월한 우정은 아름답다.

계급의 고착화가 심화되다.

최근 사회에서 계급의 고착화가 심화되고 있다.

Word Family

Nouns

계급장 (rank insignia)

계급화 (stratification)

계급론 (class theory)

계급주의 (classism)

Verbs

계급화하다 (to stratify)

Adjectives

계급적 (class-related/hierarchical)

군대 (military)

사회 (society)

질서 (order)

차별 (discrimination)

승진 (promotion)

How to Use It

frequency

High in military, gaming, and sociological contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '계급' for beef grades. → 이 소고기는 1등급입니다.
'계급' is for people/ranks; '등급' is for quality/grades of things.
Using '계급' for a company manager title. → 제 직급은 과장입니다.
'직급' is the specific term for corporate titles.
Saying '계급이 커요' for a high rank. → 계급이 높아요.
Rank is described as 'high/low' (높다/낮다), not 'big/small'.
Confusing '계급' with '계단'. → 계급을 올라가다 (metaphorical) vs. 계단을 올라가다 (physical).
'계단' are physical stairs. While they share a Hanja root, they aren't interchangeable.
Using '계급' for movie ratings. → 이 영화는 15세 관람가 등급입니다.
Ratings for movies use '등급'.

Tips

Choose the right 'Rank'

Use '계급' for military, '직급' for business, and '등급' for quality. This is the most important distinction for learners.

Understand the Military Influence

Korean men often carry military hierarchical thinking into civilian life. Recognizing '계급' helps you understand Korean social dynamics.

The Staircase Analogy

Remember the Hanja: Gye (Stairs) + Geup (Grade). It's a staircase of grades!

Verb Pairings

Pair '계급' with '높다/낮다' for description and '올라가다' for promotion.

'Gye-geup-jang'

Learn '계급장 떼고' to understand when Koreans want to have an honest, equal conversation.

Watch 'Parasite'

To see modern '계급' in action, watch Bong Joon-ho's 'Parasite'. It's a masterclass in social stratification.

Marxist Context

If reading sociology, expect '계급' to mean 'class' in the context of power and labor.

PC Bang Talk

If you go to a PC Bang, you'll hear '계급' a lot. It's a great place to hear the word used naturally.

Sageuk Vocabulary

In historical dramas, '계급' is often the source of the main character's conflict.

Politeness and Rank

Always remember that in Korea, your '계급' or '직급' often dictates which level of politeness you should use.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Gye' as 'Gay' (happy) and 'Geup' as 'Up'. You are 'Gay' (happy) when your rank goes 'Up'! (Gye-geup).

Visual Association

Imagine a soldier's shoulder with stripes that look like a staircase (階). Each stripe is a new 'grade' (級).

Word Web

Military Social Class Rank Ladder Hierarchy Status Promotion Insignia

Challenge

Try to name three different '계급' in the Korean military (e.g., 이병, 일병, 상병). Then, use the word '계급' to describe a movie you recently watched.

Word Origin

From Hanja (Chinese characters): 階 (계 - gye) meaning 'stairs' or 'rank' and 級 (급 - geup) meaning 'grade' or 'level'.

Original meaning: The original meaning refers to the steps of a staircase, symbolizing levels one must climb.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing '계급' in a social context, as it can be a sensitive topic related to wealth inequality and the 'Spoon Class Theory'.

In English, 'rank' is mostly military, while 'class' is social. Korean uses '계급' for both, highlighting the structural similarity Koreans see between these systems.

The movie 'Parasite' (기생충) is the most famous modern exploration of '계급'. The webtoon and drama 'Itaewon Class' (이태원 클라쓰) uses 'class' in its title to hint at social struggle. 'Snowpiercer' (설국열차) literally visualizes '계급' through the sections of a train.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Military Service

계급이 어떻게 되십니까? (What is your rank?)
상급자 (superior)
하급자 (subordinate)
경례 (salute)

Social Science Class

계급 구조 (class structure)
불평등 (inequality)
혁명 (revolution)
자본가 (capitalist)

Online Gaming

랭크 게임 (ranked game)
계급 올리기 (ranking up)
티어 (tier)
브론즈/실버/골드 (Bronze/Silver/Gold)

Historical Dramas

천민 (the lowest class)
양반 (the nobility)
신분 제도 (status system)
차별 (discrimination)

Workplace (Rarely)

수직적 문화 (vertical culture)
서열 중심 (hierarchy-centered)
상명하복 (absolute obedience)
직급 (job title - better word)

Conversation Starters

"한국의 군대 계급에 대해 알고 있나요? (Do you know about Korean military ranks?)"

"영화 '기생충'에서 계급 문제가 어떻게 나타났다고 생각하세요? (How do you think class issues were shown in the movie 'Parasite'?)"

"게임에서 계급을 올리는 게 왜 그렇게 중요할까요? (Why is it so important to raise your rank in a game?)"

"현대 사회에도 보이지 않는 계급이 있다고 믿나요? (Do you believe there are invisible classes in modern society?)"

"계급이 없는 사회가 가능할까요? (Is a classless society possible?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 속한 조직의 계급 구조에 대해 써보세요. (Write about the hierarchy of the organization you belong to today.)

내가 생각하는 '사회적 계급'의 정의는 무엇인가요? (What is your definition of 'social class'?)

계급이 사람들의 행동에 어떤 영향을 미치는지 관찰해 보세요. (Observe how rank/class affects people's behavior.)

만약 내가 군대에서 가장 높은 계급이라면 무엇을 하고 싶나요? (If you were the highest rank in the military, what would you want to do?)

'수저 계급론'에 대한 나의 생각은? (What are my thoughts on the 'Spoon Class Theory'?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, no. It's better to use '직급' (jik-geup) or '직위' (jik-wi). Using '계급' in a company context sounds like the company is run like a military unit, which has a negative or very rigid nuance.

It's a popular modern Korean concept that classifies people into 'Gold Spoons' (rich), 'Silver Spoons', and 'Dirt Spoons' (poor) based on their parents' wealth, implying that social class is fixed from birth.

Yes, North Korea uses the word '계급' extensively in its political ideology, focusing on 'class struggle' and 'class consciousness' as part of its socialist rhetoric.

You can ask, '계급이 어떻게 되세요?' (What is your rank?). This is the most polite and standard way.

Yes, the Korean police force has a very clear '계급' system, similar to the military, starting from 순경 (Police Officer) up to 치안총감 (Commissioner General).

It literally means 'to take off the rank insignia' from one's uniform. Metaphorically, it means to ignore social or professional status and treat each other as equals.

Yes, it comes from the Chinese characters 階 (stairs/rank) and 級 (grade/level).

In a biological sense, '계급' can refer to social insects like bees or ants (e.g., queen bee, worker bee), but in general biology, '강' is the word for 'class'.

Many K-dramas focus on social inequality or military life. '계급' provides the dramatic tension and defines how characters must interact with each other.

'상급자' is someone of a higher rank (superior), and '하급자' is someone of a lower rank (subordinate). Both words contain the '급' from '계급'.