Translation guide
For English 'stairs', Japanese has several words depending on context. The most common general term is 階段 (kaidan). For stairs inside a building, 階段 is standard. For outdoor stairs or steps, 段 (dan) or 石段 (ishidan) for stone steps may be used. Staircases as architectural features can be 階段 or 階段室 (kaidanshitsu). Escalators are エスカレーター (esukareetaa) and are not 'stairs'. Be careful not to confuse with 'steps' (歩数, etc.).
階段
stairs
The most common way to refer to stairs in everyday life, whether inside a building or outside.
The standard word for stairs. Can be used for indoor and outdoor stairs. Counted with 〜段 (〜だん) or 〜階 (〜かい) for floors.
階段を上ってください。
Please go up the stairs.
この階段は急ですね。
These stairs are steep, aren't they?
Refers to steps or a flight of stairs, often used for outdoor steps or the individual steps themselves. Can be part of compound words.
石の段を下りた。
I went down the stone steps.
Specifically for stairs made of stone, often found in gardens, temples, or outdoor paths.
When referring to the entire staircase structure, including railings, landings, etc., often in architectural or descriptive contexts.
Also used for the staircase as a whole. Context makes it clear.
この家の階段は木でできている。
The stairs in this house are made of wood.
Stairwell or staircase enclosure. More technical/architectural term.
To clarify that escalators are not called 'stairs' in Japanese, and to provide the correct term.
Escalator. Not considered stairs. Use this word specifically.
エスカレーターで上がりましょう。
Let's go up by escalator.
The English word 'steps' can mean stairs or foot movements. For foot movements (e.g., 'take a step'), use 一歩 (いっぽ) or 歩み (あゆみ). For stairs, use 階段 or 段.
階段室に窓がある。
There is a window in the stairwell.