Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'escalator'

English Word: escalator

Key Russian Translations:

• эскалатор [ɛskɐˈlɑtər] - [Neutral, Used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in urban and public transport contexts but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "door" or "window").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level can recognize and use it in simple sentences, as it is a borrowed word with straightforward pronunciation, but requires knowledge of noun declensions).

Pronunciation (Russian):

эскалатор: [ɛskɐˈlɑtər]

Note on эскалатор: The stress falls on the third syllable ("lɑtər"). Pay attention to the rolled 'r' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the vowels slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A moving staircase or conveyor belt used for transporting people between floors in buildings, typically in malls or metro stations.

Translation(s) & Context:

• эскалатор - Used in neutral, everyday contexts for describing public transportation or architectural features; common in formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• В торговом центре есть эскалатор, который ведёт на второй этаж.

  In the shopping mall, there is an escalator that leads to the second floor.

• Я всегда боюсь эскалатора в метро из-за толпы людей.

  I always fear the escalator in the metro because of the crowd of people.

• Эскалатор в музее работает круглосуточно для посетителей.

  The escalator in the museum operates around the clock for visitors.

• Дети любят ездить на эскалаторе, но родители должны быть осторожны.

  Children love riding the escalator, but parents need to be careful.

• Во время ремонта эскалатор был заменён на лифт временно.

  During the repair, the escalator was temporarily replaced with an elevator.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Эскалатор" is a masculine noun (masc. inanimate) borrowed from English, and it follows the standard patterns of Russian third-declension nouns. It has regular inflections based on its ending (-ор). Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • подъёмник (podʲˈjomnik) - More general term for any lifting device, often used interchangeably in informal contexts but less specific.
  • лестница с движущимися ступенями (lʲestɲɪtsə s dʲɪʐuˈʂɨmi stʊˈpʲenʲæmʲɪ) - A descriptive phrase, used in formal or technical descriptions.
• Antonyms:
  • лифт (lʲift) - Elevator; implies vertical transport in an enclosed space, contrasting with the open structure of an escalator.

Related Phrases:

• Эскалатор в метро (ɛskɐˈlɑtər v mʲɛˈtro) - Escalator in the subway; refers to common urban transport features.
• Движущийся эскалатор (dʲɪʐuˈʂɨjɪsʲj ɛskɐˈlɑtər) - Moving escalator; emphasizes the mechanical aspect in safety discussions.
• Эскалатор вверх/вниз (ɛskɐˈlɑtər vʲɨˈxʲ/vnʲiz) - Escalator up/down; used for directions in public spaces, with a brief explanation of directionality in navigation.

Usage Notes:

"Эскалатор" directly corresponds to the English "escalator" as a borrowed term, making it easy for English speakers to recognize. It is primarily used in neutral or formal contexts related to architecture, public transport, and daily life. Be mindful of its declension when using in sentences; for example, always adjust for case as per Russian grammar rules. If multiple translations are available, choose "эскалатор" for precision in modern contexts, while "подъёмник" might be used more broadly but could imply something less specific like an elevator.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word without declension, e.g., saying "Я иду на эскалатор" instead of the correct genitive in certain contexts like "Я иду на эскалаторе" (if meaning "on the escalator").

  Correct: "Я еду на эскалаторе в метро." (I am riding the escalator in the subway.) Explanation: English speakers often forget Russian case requirements, leading to grammatical errors; always check the preposition's demands.

• Error: Confusing it with "лифт" (elevator), e.g., translating "escalator" as "лифт" in a sentence.

  Correct: Use "эскалатор" for moving staircases and "лифт" for enclosed lifts. Explanation: This mix-up stems from similar functions, but precise vocabulary enhances communication in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, escalators are a staple in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, often featured in metro systems that are architectural landmarks. They symbolize modern urban life and efficiency, but safety campaigns frequently address accidents, reflecting a cultural emphasis on caution in public spaces.

Related Concepts:

• метро (metro)
• подъёмник (podʲˈjomnik)
• транспорт (trɑnˈsport)