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.
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.
Please lean the ladder against the wall.
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.
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.