It ranked below Shosanmi (Senior Third Rank) and above Shoshii (Senior Fourth Rank) (Shoshiinojo (Senior Fourth Rank, Upper Grade)). Under the Ritsuryo system (a system of centralized government based on the ritsuryo code), those ranked Ninsangi and Jusanmi or higher were called kugyo (court noble).
正三位の下、正四位（正四位上）の上に位した、律令制下では任参議及び従三位以上の者を公卿といった。