Ladder vs. stepladder vs. stairs vs. steps
這幾個詞有什麼區別呢？
Ladder, stepladder, stairs and steps.
What is the difference between these words?
In general, a ladder and a stepladder are pieces of equipment that are used for climbing up or climbing down something. They can be moved from one place to the next.
一般來說，ladder和stepladder是用來爬上爬下的設備。它們可以從一個地方移動到另一個地方。
Stairs and steps are used for going from one level to another level. They are in a fixed position.
Stairs和steps是用來從一層到另一層的。他們在一個固定的位置。
Let’s look at each one in a little more detail:
再來了解一下每個詞的細節
LADDER
A ladder is a piece of equipment that has a series of steps (also called rungs) between two upright lengths of wood or metal. It needs to be leaned against a wall or other flat surface for support in order to use it. A ladder is portable which means it can moved from one place to another location.
Ladder是一種設備，在兩個垂直的木頭或金屬之間一階一階的。它需要靠在牆上或其他平面上才能使用。梯子是可移動的，意思就是說它可以從一個地方移動到另一個地方。
Originally most ladders were made of wood though now they are mostly made of aluminum as it is lighter.
起初，大多數梯子是用木頭做的，但由於重量較輕，現在大多是用鋁做的。
Extension ladder is a ladder that can be extended in height.
伸縮梯是一種可以在高度上伸縮的梯子。
STEPLADDER
A stepladder consists of two ladders joined together with a hinge at the top. It can support itself without needing to be leaned against something. It looks like an inverted V.
Stepladder由兩個梯子組成，梯子頂部有鉸鏈連接在一起。它可以支撐自己，而不需要靠在什麼東西上。它看起來像一個倒V。
Stepladder is sometimes written as two words (step ladder).
Stepladder有時也可以寫成兩個詞(step ladder)。
ladder和stepladder有什麼區別？
In general a ladder needs to be supported against something.
通常ladder需要靠在什麼東西上。
A stepladder doesn’t need external support. It stands by itself.
而stepladder不需要額外的支撐就可以立起來。
STAIRS
Stairs are a set of steps built between two or more floors in a building. They are fixed in position and cannot be moved.
Stairs是建築中兩層或兩層以上樓層之間的一組臺階。它們是固定的，不能移動。
The row of posts on the side of stairs (with a wooden or metal top) is called a handrail or banister. You hold onto the handrail or banister as you go up or down the stairs so that you don’t accidentally fall down them.
樓梯側面的一排柱子(頂部是木製的或金屬的)被稱為扶手或欄杆。上下樓梯時要抓住扶手或欄杆，這樣你就不會不小心從樓梯上摔下來。
STEPS
Steps are a series of fixed individual steps outside of a building. There can be a small number of steps or a large number. Steps can be narrow or very wide and they are usually made of concrete or stone.
Steps是建築物外面一系列固定的獨立的臺階。可以只有幾階，也可以有很多階。臺階可以很窄，也可以很寬，通常由混凝土或石頭製成。
stairs和steps之間有什麼區別？
The main difference is that stairs are inside and steps are outside.
主要的區別是stairs在內部，steps在外面。
Bonus word: ESCALATOR.
附贈一個詞：自動扶梯
An escalator is a mechanical device which has moving stairs that carry people between different floors in a large building. Escalators are common in shopping malls (or shopping centers) and department stores. Escalators are great in that people don’t have to walk up or down stairs. The escalator slowly takes them from one floor to the next.
自動扶梯是一種機械裝置，它是可移動的樓梯，可以在大型建築物的不同樓層之間運送人。自動扶梯在商場(或購物中心)和百貨公司很常見。自動扶梯很實用，因為人們不必自己徒步上下樓梯，自動扶梯就可以慢慢地把他們從一層送到另一層。