Translation guide
The English word 'ladder' refers to a climbing tool with rungs. In Japanese, the most common word is 梯子 (はしご). There are also specific terms for stepladders, rope ladders, and metaphorical uses like career ladders.
ladder (general)
rope ladder
A portable device with rungs for climbing up or down, typically leaning against a surface.
General term for a ladder, especially a straight ladder that leans against something.
He climbed onto the roof using a ladder.
A stepladder that stands on its own, often A-shaped. Used indoors for reaching high places.
A rope ladder, often used in emergencies or on ships.
A ladder that is permanently attached to a structure, like on a bunk bed or a fire escape.
Also used for fixed ladders, though context makes it clear.
A means of rising in status, career, or life, like 'corporate ladder' or 'ladder of success'.
Literally 'ladder of success'. Common phrase for career advancement.
A run or tear in stockings or tights, often called a 'ladder' in British English.
Specifically means a run or ladder in stockings. Used as a noun or verb (伝線する).
梯子 (はしご) is a straight ladder that needs to lean against something. 脚立 (きゃたつ) is a freestanding stepladder. Use 脚立 for household chores like changing light bulbs.
In Japanese, a ship's ladder is often called 階段 (stairs), and a ladder on a bunk bed is still 梯子. For metaphorical uses, 梯子 is common but 階段 (stairs) can also be used.
He climbed the ladder.
Please lean the ladder against the wall.
電球を交換するために脚立を使った。
I used a stepladder to change the light bulb.
船から縄梯子が降ろされた。
A rope ladder was lowered from the ship.
I climbed the ladder of the bunk bed.
Means 'stairs' or 'staircase'. Sometimes used when English would say 'ladder' for steep, fixed steps, like on a ship.
I went down the ship's ladder.
He is climbing the corporate ladder.
Literally 'stairs to success'. A more general metaphor for achieving success step by step.
Effort is the ladder to success.
I got a ladder in my stockings.
She bought a stepladder.