계단

Let's learn about the Korean word 계단 (gyedan), which means "stairs." It's a common noun you'll hear and use often.

§ Basic meaning and usage

Korean Word

계단 (gyedan)

Definition

Stairs

Part of Speech

Noun

CEFR Level

A1 (Beginner)

You use 계단 just like you use "stairs" in English. It refers to a set of steps for going up or down between different levels.

§ How to use it in a sentence — grammar, prepositions

When using 계단 in sentences, you'll often combine it with common particles to show direction, location, or to act as the subject/object.

Location and Direction

• 계단 + -으로/로 (direction, means): This particle indicates moving towards or by means of the stairs.

  저기 계단으로 가세요. (Please go by the stairs over there.)

  계단으로 내려가요. (I'm going down the stairs.)

• 계단 + -에서 (at, from): This particle indicates a location or starting point.

  계단에서 넘어졌어요. (I fell on the stairs.)

  계단에서 기다릴게요. (I'll wait at the stairs.)

• 계단 + -에 (at, on): This particle usually indicates a static location.

  계단에 앉아 있었어요. (I was sitting on the stairs.)

Subject and Object

• 계단 + -이/가 (subject particle): Marks 계단 as the subject of the sentence.

  계단이 미끄러워요. (The stairs are slippery.)

• 계단 + -을/를 (object particle): Marks 계단 as the direct object of the verb.

  계단을 오르고 있어요. (I am climbing the stairs.)

Verbs commonly used with 계단

• 오르다 (oreuda) - to go up, to climb

  계단을 오르기가 힘들어요. (It's hard to climb the stairs.)

• 내려가다 (naeryeogada) - to go down

  계단으로 내려가자. (Let's go down the stairs.)

• 가다 (gada) - to go

  계단까지 가려면 멀어요? (Is it far to go to the stairs?)

§ Understanding 계단 (Gye-dan): Stairs

The Korean word for 'stairs' is 계단 (gye-dan). It's a fundamental noun you'll hear and use often. Think about how often you encounter stairs in your daily life – the same goes for Koreans! Learning this word will immediately boost your ability to understand and describe everyday situations.

DEFINITION

Stairs, a flight of steps.

§ At Work and School

Whether you're in an office building, a factory, or a school, stairs are everywhere. You'll hear 계단 in practical contexts when people are giving directions, discussing building layouts, or even just talking about their commute.

• Giving Directions: Someone might tell you to take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Safety Announcements: In an emergency, you'll be instructed to use the stairs.
• Daily Conversations: Colleagues might talk about taking the stairs for exercise.

In a workplace setting, you might see signs pointing to the 'emergency exit stairs,' or hear colleagues discussing which floor to meet on, often referencing the stairs if elevators are busy.

§ In the News and Public Announcements

When you're listening to the news or public announcements, 계단 can come up in various scenarios, especially concerning public safety, infrastructure, or even sports. News reports might talk about accidents on stairs, new construction projects involving stairs, or even a local event like a stair-climbing race.

• Accident Reports: "An elderly person fell on the stairs at the subway station."
• Infrastructure Updates: "New stairs will be installed at the park entrance."
• Public Safety Warnings: "Please be careful on wet stairs during rainy weather."

§ Common Phrases with 계단

To really make 계단 useful, learn it in common phrases. Here are a few you'll definitely hear:

• 계단을 이용해 주세요. (Please use the stairs.) - A common sign or announcement.
• 계단이 가파르다. (The stairs are steep.) - Describing the incline.
• 계단으로 내려가다. (To go down the stairs.) - A simple action.

By actively listening for 계단 in these everyday settings, you'll not only reinforce the vocabulary but also gain a better grasp of natural Korean usage. Start noticing it around you!