自動扶梯 / 自动扶梯
zìdòngfútī
The English word "escalator" is translated into Mandarin as 自動扶梯 / 自动扶梯 (zìdòngfútī). Wiktionary also lists 電動扶梯 / 电动扶梯 (diàndòng fútī) and 自動電梯 / 自动电梯 (zìdòngdiàntī).
Meaning: mechanical device (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mandarin | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 自動扶梯 / 自动扶梯 | zìdòngfútī |
| 電動扶梯 / 电动扶梯 | diàndòng fútī |
| 自動電梯 / 自动电梯 | zìdòngdiàntī |
| 自動樓梯 / 自动楼梯 | zìdònglóutī |
| 自動鏈梯 / 自动链梯 | zìdòngliàntī |
| 升降階梯 / 升降阶梯 | shēngjiàngjiētī |
The term refers to a mechanical device. When you want to say you are "taking" or "riding" the escalator, use the verb 搭 (dā) rather than the verb used for driving a vehicle.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 自動扶梯 / 自动扶梯 breaks down into 自動 (automatic), 扶 (support/hold) and 梯 (ladder/stairs).
Which one should you use?
There are several ways to refer to this device. 自動扶梯 / 自动扶梯 is the default form. 電動扶梯 / 电动扶梯 is also used. 自動樓梯 / 自动楼梯 and 自動鏈梯 / 自动链梯 are other variations. While 自動電梯 / 自动电梯 can mean escalator, the shortened form 電梯 (diàntī) almost always refers to a standard elevator or lift. Finally, 升降階梯 / 升降阶梯 is a related term.
How do you pronounce it?
zìdòngfútī
Did you know?
- The word 梯 (tī) is used for both a high-tech 自動扶梯 and a simple bamboo ladder. This shows how Mandarin uses a single root word to cover everything from primitive climbing tools to modern urban machinery.
- While 電梯 (diàntī) is the common shorthand for an elevator, its literal meaning is 'electric ladder'.
- The variation 自動鏈梯 (zìdòngliàntī) literally translates to 'automatic chain stairs', describing the physical chain loop that moves the steps.
Examples in context
- 请您搭乘手扶梯Please take the escalator.
- 手扶梯正在维修中The escalator is under maintenance.
- 请勿在手扶梯上奔跑Please do not run on the escalator.
- 我通常会坐自动扶梯I usually take the escalator.
- 那边有一个大自动扶梯There is a big escalator over there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “escalator” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
