August 6, 2026 · 星期四
Approaching Start of Autumn
立秋· grade
Today’s episode with Jason & Amy立秋 symbolizes both a natural and personal transition.
Approaching Start of Autumn
立秋lì qiū
As we approach the Start of Autumn, or 立秋 (lìqiū), there is a palpable shift in the air. This solar term marks the beginning of a transitional period where the heat of summer begins to wane and cooler temperatures gradually take hold [1]. Traditionally, 立秋 is both a time of reflection on the passing summer and preparation for the harvest season ahead.
In ancient China, this was a significant time for farmers, as it signaled the start of harvesting crops like rice and corn. The cooler weather was seen as a blessing after the intense summer heat, making agricultural work more manageable. Even today, in rural areas, the arrival of 立秋 is often celebrated with local festivities, emphasizing gratitude for the bounty of nature [2].
The concept of 立秋 extends beyond agriculture to cultural and personal reflection. It's a time to embrace changes, much like students moving from one 年级 (niánjí), or grade, to another in their educational journey. Just as the seasons transition, students also transition to new challenges and opportunities in their studies. This parallel between nature and education highlights how 年级 serves as a marker of progress and growth, both in academics and personal development.
With 立秋 approaching, it is a perfect moment to reflect on your own growth, much like nature prepares for the harvest. Whether you're moving up a 年级 in school or experiencing other life transitions, take a moment to appreciate the journey and the new experiences that lie ahead.
立秋 symbolizes both a natural and personal transition.
他今年上五年级。
Tā jīnnián shàng wǔ niánjí.
He is going to fifth grade this year.
- [1] 《二十四节气》 (The Twenty-Four Solar Terms), a traditional Chinese calendar.
- [2] 《礼记》 (The Book of Rites), an ancient Confucian text.
Jason & Amy on 年级
Podcast: Daily Chinese: 年级 — Approaching Start of Autumn
Jason & Amy on 年级 and Approaching Start of Autumn
New here?
我读一年级。
Wǒ dú yī niánjí.
I am in first grade.
Simple use of 年级 to denote grade level.
她明年升六年级。
Tā míngnián shēng liù niánjí.
She will move up to sixth grade next year.
年级 used to indicate progression in school.
这个年级有多少学生？
Zhège niánjí yǒu duōshǎo xuéshēng?
How many students are in this grade?
年级 used to ask about the number of students in a grade.
年级的差异影响学习风格。
Niánjí de chāyì yǐngxiǎng xuéxí fēnggé.
Grade differences affect learning styles.
年级 used in a more abstract context about education.
Using 年级 to indicate school grade
subject + 上 + 年级
This pattern is used to indicate which grade a student is attending.
Use this structure to say what grade someone is in or moving to.
我上三年级。
Wǒ shàng sān niánjí.
I am in third grade.
他上四年级。
Tā shàng sì niánjí.
He is in fourth grade.
我们上同一年级。
Wǒmen shàng tóng yī niánjí.
We are in the same grade.
What does 年级 mean?
How is 年级 pronounced?
How do you write "grade" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
他在___上学。(He goes to school in ___.).
这个年级很大。 — What does this sentence mean?
What does 立秋 signify in the Chinese calendar?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Frequently asked questions about the word 年级
You can say, '我在三年级' (Wǒ zài sān niánjí), meaning 'I am in third grade.'
Yes, 年级 is specifically used to refer to grades in school or college, and is not used in other contexts.
年级 refers to the specific grade level, while 学年 (xuénián) refers to the academic year as a whole.
Today's Mandarin word: 年级 (niánjí) — grade.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉