阶段 (jiēduàn) — stage; phase; period
HSK 4 | noun | a distinct phase or stage in a process or development
阶段 (jiēduàn)
阶段 means "stage," "phase," or "period" and refers to a distinct part or step within a longer process or development.
Meanings
- [noun] stage; phase; period; step in a process
Example Sentences
这个项目分三个阶段进行。 Zhège xiàngmù fēn sān gè jiēduàn jìnxíng. This project is carried out in three stages.
青少年时期是人生的重要阶段。 Qīngshàonián shíqī shì rénshēng de zhòngyào jiēduàn. Adolescence is an important stage of life.
我们现在处于第二阶段。 Wǒmen xiànzài chǔyú dì èr jiēduàn. We are currently in the second phase.
每个阶段都有不同的任务和目标。 Měi gè jiēduàn dōu yǒu bùtóng de rènwù hé mùbiāo. Each stage has different tasks and objectives.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 发展阶段 | development stage |
| 初级阶段 | initial stage |
| 分阶段 | in stages; phased |
| 关键阶段 | critical phase |
Usage Notes
阶段 is used to divide a longer process into recognizable segments, making it easier to manage or discuss. It commonly appears in project management, life stage descriptions, and historical analysis. 分阶段 (to do something in stages) is a useful construction. It is slightly more formal than 步骤 (bùzhòu, step), which focuses on individual sequential steps rather than broader phases.
Memory Hook
阶 (jiē) means "steps or stairs" and 段 (duàn) means "a section or segment": an 阶段 is a "step-section," like a landing on a staircase that marks a distinct phase.