エスカレーター

• Reading: エスカレーター
• Romaji: esukareetaa
• Pronunciation: /e.sɯ.ka.ɾeː.taː/

Meaning

An escalator. A moving staircase found in department stores, train stations, and public buildings.

Borrowed from English 'escalator.' In Japan, there is an unwritten rule about which side to stand on: left in Osaka and right in Tokyo. Also used figuratively in the term エスカレーター式 to describe automatic advancement systems, such as progressing through school levels without entrance exams.

Examples

1. エスカレーターで三階に行きましょう。 Let's take the escalator to the third floor.
2. このデパートにはエスカレーターがあります。 This department store has an escalator.
3. エスカレーターの右側に立ってください。 Please stand on the right side of the escalator.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, train stations, public buildings

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'escalator,' originally a trademark of the Otis Elevator Company. Adopted into Japanese katakana.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal