Translation guide
The English word 'rung' refers to the horizontal crosspieces of a ladder, or metaphorically to a level or stage in a hierarchy. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
The physical horizontal bar on a ladder that you step on.
General term for a horizontal bar, commonly used for ladder rungs.
梯子の横木が壊れている。
The ladder rung is broken.
Means 'step' or 'stair', often used for ladder rungs in context.
梯子の段を一段ずつ登る。
Climb the ladder one rung at a time.
Specifically refers to the step or rung of a ladder, more technical.
この梯子は踏み桟が滑りにくい。
This ladder has non-slip rungs.
A metaphorical step or stage in a career, social ladder, or progression.
The English word 'rung' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Always consider whether you mean a physical ladder part or a metaphorical level, and choose the appropriate term.
Means 'stage' or 'phase', commonly used for levels in a process or hierarchy.
キャリアの次の段階に進む。
Move to the next rung of your career.
Refers to 'rank' or 'class', often in social or organizational hierarchies.
彼は会社の階級を上がっていった。
He climbed the rungs of the corporate ladder.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'ladder of success', often used for career advancement.
彼は出世の階段を一気に駆け上がった。
He quickly climbed the rungs of the corporate ladder.
Means 'position' or 'status', can imply a rung in a hierarchy.
彼は低い地位から成り上がった。
He rose from a low rung.