Translation guide
The English word "intermediate" can describe a middle level of skill, a middle stage in a process, or something that acts as a go-between. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each of these uses.
Describing someone's ability as being between beginner and advanced, or a course/content at that level.
The standard term for an intermediate level in language learning, sports, or other skills. Often used in course names and textbooks.
私は中級の日本語クラスを取っています。
I'm taking an intermediate Japanese class.
この教科書は中級者向けです。
This textbook is for intermediate learners.
A more general term meaning 'medium' or 'middle level'. Can be used for skill, but less specific than 中級.
彼の英語は中くらいです。
His English is intermediate.
Literally 'between beginner and advanced'. A descriptive phrase used when explaining a level.
このコースは初級と上級の間のレベルです。
This course is at an intermediate level between beginner and advanced.
Referring to something that happens or exists between the beginning and the end of a process, event, or time period.
Means 'middle' or 'midpoint'. Used for stages in a process, exams, reports, etc.
中間報告を提出してください。
Please submit an intermediate report.
プロジェクトは中間段階にあります。
The project is at an intermediate stage.
Means 'on the way' or 'in the middle of'. Used for actions or processes that are not yet complete.
Often used for the middle part of a game, match, or scheduled event.
Describing a person, organization, or thing that facilitates communication or transactions between two parties.
Refers to mediation or intermediation, often in business or formal contexts. Can be used as a noun or with する.
彼が両社の仲介役を務めた。
He acted as an intermediate between the two companies.
Means 'intermediary' or 'vector', often used for disease transmission or abstract connections.
A more traditional term for a go-between, often in personal relationships or introductions.
中級 (ちゅうきゅう) is specifically for skill levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced). 中間 (ちゅうかん) is for physical or temporal midpoints (intermediate station, intermediate report). Do not mix them up.
When referring to a person with intermediate skills, use 中級者 (ちゅうきゅうしゃ) rather than trying to use 中間 or other words. For a mediator, use 仲介者 (ちゅうかいしゃ) or 仲介役 (ちゅうかいやく).
We're still at an intermediate point, so we don't know the results yet.
試合は中盤に差し掛かっています。
The game is entering its intermediate phase.
蚊がマラリアの媒介者です。
Mosquitoes are intermediate hosts for malaria.
彼女が仲立ちになってくれた。
She acted as an intermediate for us.