Translation guide
A balustrade is a row of small columns (balusters) topped by a rail, often found on balconies, staircases, and terraces. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 手すり (tesuri), which refers to a handrail or railing. For architectural contexts, 欄干 (rankan) is used, and for the individual balusters, 手すり子 (tesuriko) or 欄干の小柱 (rankan no kobashira) may be specified.
The most common, everyday term for a railing along a staircase, balcony, or walkway.
General term for a handrail or railing. Used for both safety and decorative railings.
Please hold onto the stair railing.
The balcony railing is broken.
More formal or architectural term for a balustrade or railing, often used in traditional or decorative contexts.
I leaned on the bridge's balustrade and gazed at the river.
Refers specifically to a high railing or balustrade, often in traditional Japanese architecture like temples or shrines.
The temple's high balustrade is adorned with elaborate carvings.
When referring specifically to the vertical posts that support the handrail.
手すり is the everyday word for any handrail or railing, while 欄干 is more formal and often implies a decorative or architectural balustrade. Use 手すり for most situations.
station handrail
temple balustrade
Avoid directly translating 'balustrade' as バラスター or バラストレード, as these are not commonly understood. Stick to 手すり or 欄干 depending on context.
The balusters of the balustrade are made of marble.