一級

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 一級 is read as いっきゅう and means first class as a grade or top grade as a level of quality.
• Basic usage: It can identify an earned qualification or the quality of selected materials.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Referring to an official grade
  • 一級: A first-class qualification is earned by passing the examination. Example: 彼は試験に合格して一級の資格を得た。
• Referring to top quality
  • 一級: The shop selects and uses only top-grade materials. Example: この店では一級の材料だけを選んで使っている。