Translation and Meaning of: 階段 - kaidan

The Japanese word 階段[かいだん] is essential for anyone learning the language or curious about Japanese culture. It represents a common object in everyday life but carries interesting nuances in its writing, pronunciation, and usage. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, kanji, and practical applications, as well as tips for memorization and authentic cultural curiosities. If you're looking to understand how the Japanese view and use this word, you're in the right place!

Meaning and writing of 階段

The term 階段 [かいだん] means "stair" or "steps" in Japanese, referring to both fixed and movable stairs. The word consists of two kanji: 階 (kai), which indicates floors or levels, and 段 (dan), representing steps or stages. Together, they form the idea of a structure that connects different heights.

In Japan, it is common to see 階段 in train stations, temples, and traditional residences. The combination of the kanjis reflects well its practical function: 階 appears in words like 二階 (nikai, second floor), while 段 appears in 一段目 (ichidanme, first step). This logic helps to understand why the Japanese easily associate writing with meaning.

Everyday use and practical examples

"階段" is a high-frequency word in daily Japanese. You can hear it in sentences like "階段を上がる" (kaidan wo agaru, go up the stairs) or "階段に気をつけて" (kaidan ni ki o tsukete, be careful with the steps). Its pronunciation, "kaidan", is also easy for Portuguese speakers, which reduces the chance of errors.

In cultural contexts, stairs in Japan often have symbolic meanings. In Shinto shrines, for example, climbing a 階段 can represent a transition to the sacred. In busy stations like Shinjuku, the word takes on a practical tone, announced in notices to avoid congestion.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 階段 is to associate its kanjis with images. Visualize 階 as a building with several floors and 段 as stacked steps. This method, known as "visual mnemonic," is supported by studies on language learning.

Interestingly, 階段 also appears in expressions like 階段を転げ落ちる (kaidan wo korogeochiru, to roll down the stairs), used metaphorically to describe sudden failures. This type of usage shows how the Japanese language integrates everyday objects into figurative constructions.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 階段 (kaidan) - Stairs
• ステップ (suteppu) - Step or stair
• 階段状 (kaidanjō) - In a staircase shape
• 階段状のもの (kaidanjō no mono) - Object in the shape of a ladder
• 階段状のものによって上がる (kaidanjō no mono ni yotte agaru) - Climb a ladder-shaped object
• 階段状になる (kaidanjō ni naru) - Turn into a staircase shape
• 階段状にする (kaidanjō ni suru) - Make it in a staircase shape.
• 階段状になったもの (kaidanjō ni natta mono) - Something that took the form of a staircase
• 階段状になったものを上がる (kaidanjō ni natta mono o agaru) - Something that has turned into a staircase
• 階段状になったものを下る (kaidanjō ni natta mono o kudaru) - Descend something that has taken the form of a staircase.
• 階段状になったものを登る (kaidanjō ni natta mono o noboru) - Climbing something that has taken the form of a ladder
• 階段状になったものを降りる (kaidanjō ni natta mono o oriru) - Descend something that has taken the form of a staircase.
• 階段状になったものを昇る (kaidanjō ni natta mono o noboru) - Something that has turned into a staircase
• 階段状になったものを下りる (kaidanjō ni natta mono o oriru) - Descend something that has taken the form of a staircase.
• 階段状になったものを上る (kaidanjō ni natta mono o noboru) - Climbing something that has taken the form of a ladder

階段

Romaji: kaidan
Kana: かいだん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: stairs

Meaning in English: stairs

Definition: In a building or facility, a structure located in the middle of a staircase that allows people to move between the upper and lower floors.

Example Sentences - (階段) kaidan

See below some example sentences:

階段を上がってください。

Kaidan wo agatte kudasai

Walk up the stairs.

Walk up the stairs.

• 階段 - It means "ladder" in Japanese.
• を - It is an object particle in Japanese, indicating that "階段" is the object of the action.
• 上がって - It is the imperative form of the verb 上がる (agaru), which means "to go up".
• ください - It is a request expression in Japanese, which can be translated as "please."

私たちは階段を上がる。

Watashitachi wa kaidan wo agaru

We are going up the stairs.

We go upstairs.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 階段を - "escada" in Japanese, followed by the particle "wo" indicating the direct object of the action
• 上がる - "subir" in Japanese, indicating the action being performed