noun HSK 4
Traditional 階段
jiē duàn
stage · phase · period

Meaning

阶段 refers to a distinct period or phase within a longer process or development. It emphasizes division into sequential parts, like stages of a project, phases of life, or periods of historical development. The word suggests that something larger is broken down into manageable or identifiable segments.

Usage

阶段 is commonly used in formal and academic contexts to describe stages of development, processes, or time periods. It frequently appears in phrases like '现阶段' (current stage) and '初级阶段' (preliminary stage). Native speakers use it to organize complex ideas into sequential parts.

Examples

  1. 01
    这个项目分为三个阶段完成。
    Zhège xiàngmù fēn wéi sān jiēduàn wánchéng.
    This project is completed in three stages.
  2. 02
    阶段我们的主要任务是提高产品质量。
    Xiàn jiēduàn wǒmen de zhǔyào rènwu shì tígāo chǎnpǐn zhìliàng.
    At the present stage, our main task is to improve product quality.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个阶段

Common collocations

  • 阶段
    xiàn jiē duàn
    at the present stage
  • 初级阶段
    chū jiē duàn
    preliminary/initial stage
  • 发展阶段
    zhǎn jiē duàn
    stage of development
  • 不同阶段
    tóng jiē duàn
    different stages

Origin

阶 originally referred to steps or stairs, suggesting progression upward. 段 means a section or segment. Together, 阶段 literally means 'steps/sections,' conveying the idea of distinct phases in a progression.

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