How to say "ladder" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounThe everyday word for a ladder as a physical object you climb, such as one leaned against a wall. A common word, usually written in kana, and the natural choice in ordinary contexts.
- nounThe katakana loanword for 'ladder'. Less common than はしご, it tends to appear in technical or specialized language rather than everyday speech; for an actual ladder to climb, はしご is the word you want.
- nounA less common word for 'ladder', usually written in kana, and seldom the one you want; you are unlikely to need it, and はしご is the word to use for an actual ladder.
For an actual ladder you climb, use the common everyday word 「はしご」; the loanword 「ラダー」 belongs mostly to technical language, while 「シチョウ」 is a less common word you will rarely need.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
