Translation guide
The English word "grading" can refer to evaluating student work, leveling by difficulty, or sorting by quality/size. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To assign a score or grade to a test, assignment, or performance
The most common and neutral way to say "to grade" papers, tests, etc. Literally "marking points".
先生はテストの採点をしている。
The teacher is grading the tests.
Grading this assignment takes time.
Literally "to attach a grade/evaluation". Used for giving a final grade or evaluation, often for a course or term.
学期末に成績をつけなければならない。
I have to assign grades at the end of the semester.
Specifically means to correct and give feedback on writing, compositions, or essays. More about correction than just assigning a score.
作文を添削していただけますか。
Could you grade/correct my composition?
To arrange or classify into levels of difficulty, such as graded readers or graded exams
General term for dividing into levels. Used for books, courses, tests, etc.
この教科書はレベル分けされている。
This textbook is graded by level.
Literally "make into stages/levels". Slightly more formal, often used for structured progression.
教材を段階別に作成した。
We created graded teaching materials.
Loanword "grade" + 別 (by). Common in contexts like graded exams (e.g., 英検のグレード別).
グレード別の問題集
Graded workbook (by grade level)
To classify items by quality, size, or standard
Standard term for grading by quality or rank, used for agricultural products, goods, etc.
果物を等級分けして出荷する。
We grade the fruit before shipping.
Means to sort or select, often implying grading by quality. Used for produce, seafood, etc.
魚を大きさで選別する。
Grade the fish by size.
Noun meaning rating or grading, often used in financial or official quality standards (e.g., beef grading).
The direct loanword グレーディング is rarely used in natural Japanese. Use the expressions above depending on context.
牛肉の格付けは厳しい基準がある。
Beef grading has strict standards.