Diàntī

[L-F-J]

What do you think a 自动扶梯 would be if it weren't 自动? 

[Demonic_Duck]

I get that in theory it could refer to any staircase with a rail, but I've just never heard it used like that. Meaning is use. I mean, if you only look at the etymology of words, "elevator" and "escalator" should both mean the same in English, because "elevate" and "escalate" both mean to make something higher.

[L-F-J]

I'm sure there are many things one may have never heard as a non-native. I would never absolutely trust my limited experience in any language as a non-native, or even think a native is being a smartass when they direct me to something I didn't think I was asking for... Seems a bit arrogant.

 

Here's a link for you: http://baike.baidu.com/link?url=qqdptc85C53SsweqhzaT2ndbQDrpL9gslUOLA8LOaUp5cnGAWzQogZNv6yg9TYAifvCpjqIAQo8CJMtLNRfC7a

 

It says a 楼梯 + 扶手 = 扶梯.

 

This could be an escalator, a staircase with a handrail, or even a ladder. There are images of both an escalator and a staircase with a handrail. 

 

Then there is a section about 自动扶梯 specifically.

 

So, yes, 扶梯 can refer to any of those three things in normal speech, and it's usually obvious depending on the situation. I have a 扶梯 at home I use to dust the lights. I've even been asked to bring someone the 楼梯... They didn't mean an escalator nor a staircase.  

 

Again, to be sure to get what you're asking for if it's an escalator, it's best to say 自动扶梯, or 直达电梯 for an elevator.

[abcdefg]

May I change the subject a little bit or ask a related question?

 

What do you call outdoor steps like those going up a sacred mountain or to someone's famous tomb or a temple or memorial building. I've been corrected and told it's not 楼梯, but I can't remember what would be better.

 

Any thoughts? Thanks.

[skylee]

棧道？山梯？

[L-F-J]

You would usually call that 台阶, or 石阶.

[L-F-J]

栈道 is a level plank walkway usually going around the side of a mountain, not steps going up.

 

山梯 works, but I don't think anyone says that in spoken Chinese.

[Demonic_Duck]

I would never absolutely trust my limited experience in any language as a non-native, or even think a native is being a smartass when they direct me to something I didn't think I was asking for... Seems a bit arrogant.

I wouldn't think they were being a smartass because I assumed it could never be used to mean other things, more because, as you say, it's normally obvious what kind of 扶梯 is being requested. If I was asking in a shopping mall, I'd obviously want to know the way to the escalator.

 

Anyway, I didn't know it was regularly used in those other ways, 长知识了！

[abcdefg]

# 26 -- Thanks L-F-J.

[abcdefg]

Was in Taiwan last week and saw this sign at a HSR stop (High Speed Rail.) Snapped a photo with my phone because it had the words for elevator and escalator side by side.

 

The sign used 电梯 for elevator and 电扶梯 for escalator.

 

[Flickserve]

Different regions use the words differently.