Translation guide
A stairwell is the vertical shaft or enclosed space in a building that contains a staircase. This guide helps you express this concept naturally in Japanese, covering common terms for the space itself and related architectural vocabulary.
Referring to the vertical shaft or room that houses a staircase, often in apartment buildings, offices, or public facilities.
The most direct and common term for 'stairwell' in Japanese. It refers to the room or enclosed space that contains the stairs. Used in architectural and everyday contexts.
In case of fire, please evacuate using the stairwell.
The stairwell in this apartment building is very spacious.
Refers to an open stairwell, often in a lobby or atrium, where the stairs are not enclosed by walls. Emphasizes the open, airy design.
The hotel lobby has a grand open stairwell.
Literally 'staircase open space', used to describe the vertical open area of a stairwell, especially in architectural descriptions.
The stairwell in this building is bright and pleasant.
Means 'stairs' or 'staircase'. While not exactly 'stairwell', it is often used in context where the space is implied. Use with caution as it may not convey the enclosed space.
This word refers to the stairs themselves, not the surrounding space. Use 階段室 when you specifically mean the stairwell.
Please go up using the stairs.
Specifically referring to a stairwell used as a fire escape or emergency exit route.
階段室 (かいだんしつ) is a general term for any enclosed stairwell, while 吹き抜け階段 (ふきぬけかいだん) specifically refers to an open, often decorative stairwell without full walls. Use 階段室 for typical apartment or office stairwells, and 吹き抜け階段 for grand, open designs in hotels or atriums.
The English word 'stairwell' refers to the space, not the stairs themselves. In Japanese, 階段 (かいだん) means 'stairs/staircase'. To refer to the well or shaft, use 階段室 or 吹き抜け階段.
Means 'evacuation stairs'. A more formal term used in building codes and safety regulations.
This building has two evacuation stairwells.