L-F-J Posted September 4, 2015 at 08:16 AM Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 at 08:16 AM What do you think a 自动扶梯 would be if it weren't 自动? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demonic_Duck Posted September 4, 2015 at 08:33 AM Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 at 08:33 AM 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L-F-J Posted September 4, 2015 at 08:56 AM Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 at 08:56 AM 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abcdefg Posted September 4, 2015 at 10:12 AM Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 at 10:12 AM 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skylee Posted September 4, 2015 at 10:53 AM Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 at 10:53 AM 棧道？山梯？ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L-F-J Posted September 4, 2015 at 11:04 AM Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 at 11:04 AM You would usually call that 台阶, or 石阶. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L-F-J Posted September 4, 2015 at 11:19 AM Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 at 11:19 AM 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demonic_Duck Posted September 4, 2015 at 11:44 AM Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 at 11:44 AM 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！ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abcdefg Posted September 4, 2015 at 11:56 AM Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 at 11:56 AM # 26 -- Thanks L-F-J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abcdefg Posted September 24, 2015 at 03:49 AM Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 at 03:49 AM 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flickserve Posted September 24, 2015 at 08:59 AM Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 at 08:59 AM Different regions use the words differently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and select your username and password later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.