Translation guide
The English word 'level' has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a relative position on a scale, a physical height, a flat surface, a floor of a building, and the idea of making something even. It also includes useful phrases and warnings about literal translations.
日本語のレベルはどのくらいですか？
What is your Japanese level?
Expressing a relative position on a scale, such as skill, quality, or amount.
A very common loanword used for abstract levels like skill, difficulty, or quality. Works in many contexts.
彼の英語のレベルは高い。
His English level is high.
このゲームのレベルは難しい。
The level of this game is difficult.
Means 'degree' or 'extent'. More formal than レベル. Often used in written or technical contexts.
被害の程度は大きい。
The level of damage is great.
Means 'standard' or 'level', often used for living standards, academic levels, etc. More formal.
生活水準が向上した。
The standard of living has improved.
Means 'stage' or 'phase'. Used when level implies a step in a process.
プロジェクトは次の段階に入った。
The project has entered the next level/stage.
Referring to how high something is physically, like water, ground, or an airplane's altitude.
General word for 'height'. Can be used for physical height of objects, water level, etc.
水位の高さを測る。
Measure the water level.
この机の高さは調節できます。
The height of this desk can be adjusted.
Specifically means 'altitude' or 'height above sea level'. Used for airplanes, mountains, etc.
Specifically 'water level'. Used for rivers, dams, etc.
A flat, even surface, or a tool used to check if something is horizontal.
Means 'horizontal' or 'level'. Can be used as a noun or adjective.
この棚は水平ではない。
This shelf is not level.
A 'spirit level' or 'level tool'. The physical tool used in construction.
Referring to a floor in a building (e.g., ground level, first floor).
To make something flat, even, or equal.
Means 'to make flat/level'. Used for surfaces.
地面を平らにする。
Level the ground.
Verb meaning 'to level' or 'to even out'. Often used for ground or surfaces.
庭の土を均す。
Level the soil in the garden.
Means 'to make equal' in a social or abstract sense, not physical leveling.
機会を平等にする。
Level the playing field (make opportunities equal).
While レベル is very common, it doesn't work for physical height or floors. Use 高さ for height, 階 for floors, and 平ら for flatness. Using レベル in these cases can sound unnatural.
× この机のレベルは高い。
Intended: The level of this desk is high. (Better: この机の高さは高い。)
程度 is more formal and often used in written Japanese or technical reports. レベル is casual and widely used in everyday conversation. For academic or business writing, 程度 or 水準 may be more appropriate.
The plane is flying at an altitude of 10,000 meters.
The river's water level rose due to rain.
水準器で床が平らか確認する。
Check if the floor is level with a spirit level.
The men's clothing department is on the 5th floor.