档次 dàngcì grade
grade; class; quality; level
How to remember 档次: 档 shelve + 次 time = grade.
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How it is used
- Grade or tier on a quality/price scale - 高档次 (gāo dàngcì) high-end, 提升档次 (tíshēng dàngcì) to upgrade the class of something.
- Note 档 is dàng here (fourth tone), not dǎng. Very common in describing products, hotels, restaurants: 这家酒店档次很高 (this hotel is high-class).
- Contrast 等级 (děngjí, formal ranked level/grade): 档次 carries a stronger flavor of taste, prestige, and price bracket.