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escaleras

es-cah-LEH-ras/es.kaˈle.ɾas/

“escaleras” means “stairs” in Spanish (The standard set of steps inside a building).

stairs, staircase

Also: steps
NounfA1
A simple wooden staircase with a white banister ascending inside a brightly lit, colorful building interior.

📝 In Action

Subimos las escaleras hasta el tercer piso.

A1

We went up the stairs to the third floor.

¿Dónde están las escaleras de emergencia?

A2

Where are the emergency stairs?

Ten cuidado, las escaleras están resbaladizas.

B1

Be careful, the stairs are slippery.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • escalinata (grand staircase (often outdoors))
  • peldaños (steps (individual units))

Common Collocations

  • subir las escaleras – to go up the stairs
  • bajar las escaleras – to go down the stairs
  • escaleras mecánicas – escalator

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "escaleras" in Spanish:

steps→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: escaleras

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'escaleras'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
caderasbanderas
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *scalae*, which meant 'ladder' or 'steps.' The Spanish word kept the idea of a path made of steps for climbing.

First recorded: Medieval Latin period

Cognates (Related words)

French: escalierItalian: scala

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'escalera' (singular) and 'escaleras' (plural)?

While 'escaleras' is the common way to say 'stairs' or 'staircase' in a building, 'escalera' in the singular usually means 'ladder' (the portable kind you use for repairs).

How do I refer to an escalator?

You use the phrase 'escaleras mecánicas' (mechanical stairs). This is a great example of 'escaleras' being used as a base word.