阶级 (jiējí) literally combines 阶 (jiē), meaning 'step' or 'tier', and 级 (jí), meaning 'level' or 'grade'. Together, they form a compound noun meaning 'social class' — referring to groups of people with shared economic status, occupation, education, or political power in society. It is a formal, sociological term often used in academic, historical, or political contexts.

The word carries strong connotations from Marxist theory, where it commonly appears in discussions of class struggle, inequality, or social mobility. While neutral in dictionary definition, in modern Chinese usage it may imply structural hierarchy or systemic division — not just income differences but also access to resources, influence, and opportunity. It’s rarely used in casual daily speech about individuals (e.g., you wouldn’t say 'my class' to mean your income bracket); instead, it appears in broader societal analysis, news reporting on inequality, or historical narratives.