Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'staircase'

English Word: staircase

Key Russian Translations:

• лестница [ˈlʲestnʲit͡sə] - [Common noun, used in everyday contexts for indoor or outdoor structures]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in descriptions of buildings and daily navigation, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "дом" for house.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level; suitable for beginners who are familiar with basic noun structures in Russian, per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лестница: [ˈlʲestnʲit͡sə]

Note on лестница: The soft 'л' sound ([lʲ]) can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'l' in "million" but softer. Pronounce the ending as a soft 'tsa' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A structure consisting of a series of steps for going from one level to another in a building.

Translation(s) & Context:

• лестница - Typically used for staircases in residential, public, or architectural contexts; neutral formality.

Usage Examples:

• Я поднимаюсь по лестнице в свою квартиру.

  I am going up the staircase to my apartment. (Shows vertical movement in a building.)

• Лестница в этом музее очень крутая и историческая.

  The staircase in this museum is very steep and historical. (Demonstrates descriptive use in a cultural setting.)

• Дети бегают вверх и вниз по лестнице.

  The children are running up and down the staircase. (Illustrates dynamic, everyday action.)

• Эта старая лестница нуждается в ремонте.

  This old staircase needs repairing. (Used in a maintenance or practical context.)

• Лестница соединяет этажи в многоэтажном доме.

  The staircase connects the floors in a multi-story building. (Highlights structural function.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лестница" is a feminine noun in the third declension group. It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ступеньки (steps; more informal or specific to individual steps)
  • марш (flight of stairs; used in architectural contexts, implying a section)
• Antonyms:
  • лифт (elevator; as an alternative to stairs)

Related Phrases:

• лестница в доме - Staircase in the house (Refers to an internal structural element in residential settings.)
• спускаться по лестнице - To go down the staircase (Common phrase for descending.)
• лестница на чердак - Attic staircase (Used for access to upper levels like attics.)

Usage Notes:

"Лестница" directly corresponds to "staircase" in English, emphasizing the entire structure rather than individual steps (which might be "ступеньки"). It is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Russian. Be mindful of case changes based on sentence structure; for example, use the genitive case after prepositions like "по" (as in "по лестнице"). When choosing between translations, opt for "лестница" for formal or descriptive contexts, and "ступеньки" for casual, everyday talk.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "лестница" in all contexts, e.g., saying "Я иду по лестница" instead of "Я иду по лестнице".

  Correct: "Я иду по лестнице" (dative case after "по"). Explanation: Russian prepositions require specific cases; this mistake often stems from English word order habits.

• Error: Confusing with "ступени" (steps), leading to misuse like "Эта ступени – лестница".

  Correct: "Эта лестница состоит из ступеней". Explanation: "Ступени" refers to individual steps, so combine them properly for accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, staircases in older buildings or historic sites often hold symbolic or practical significance, such as in Soviet-era architecture where they might represent communal spaces. However, "лестница" itself is a neutral term without deep cultural connotations, though it appears frequently in literature like in descriptions of urban life in works by authors such as Dostoevsky.

Related Concepts:

• дверь (door)
• окно (window)
• этаж (floor/level)