An elevator is the standard vertical transportation device in modern buildings.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A mechanical device for vertical transport.
- Used in buildings to move between floors.
- Commonly referred to as 'dianti' in Chinese.
1) 概览：电梯（Elevator/Lift）是现代建筑中不可或缺的交通工具，通过电力驱动，在楼层间进行垂直移动。它是现代城市生活高效率的体现，极大地方便了人们的出行。
2) 用法模式：在中文里，我们通常使用量词“部”或“台”来修饰电梯。例如：“这栋楼有两部电梯”。动词搭配方面，常说“坐电梯”、“乘电梯”、“等电梯”或“按电梯”。
3) 常见语境：在日常生活中，人们常在办公楼大厅、住宅楼道或商场里使用电梯。在描述位置时，常说“电梯在左边”或“电梯坏了”。
4) 近义词辨析：虽然“扶梯”（自动扶梯）也是电梯的一种，但通常指商场里那种移动的阶梯，而“电梯”在口语中默认指封闭的厢式升降梯。在书面语中，有时也用“升降机”，但“电梯”是最通用的表达。
Examples
我正在等电梯。
everydayI am waiting for the elevator.
请乘坐这部电梯上楼。
formalPlease take this elevator to go upstairs.
电梯坏了，我们走楼梯吧。
informalThe elevator is broken, let's take the stairs.
该建筑配备了高速电梯。
academicThe building is equipped with high-speed elevators.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
电梯口
elevator entrance
按电梯
press the elevator button
等电梯
wait for the elevator
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to moving stairs (escalators), whereas '电梯' refers to an enclosed box elevator.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '电梯' is neutral and used in all registers. It is the standard word for elevators in mainland China. In some regions, '升降机' might be used, but '电梯' is universally understood.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use the wrong measure word like '个'. Also, confusing it with stairs is a common vocabulary error. Remember that '电梯' implies a machine.
Tips
Use the right measure word
Always use '部' or '台' when counting elevators. It sounds more natural to native speakers.
Distinguish from escalators
Don't confuse '电梯' (elevator) with '自动扶梯' (escalator). They serve different purposes.
Elevator etiquette in China
It is customary to let people exit before entering. In crowded buildings, wait in line.
Word Origin
The word combines '电' (electricity) and '梯' (ladder/stairs), describing a ladder powered by electricity. This reflects the evolution of vertical transport from manual stairs to automated systems.
Cultural Context
In high-density Chinese cities, elevators are essential for daily life. High-rise living makes the elevator a shared social space where people briefly interact.
Memory Tip
Think of '电' (electricity) + '梯' (ladder). It is an electric ladder that moves you up and down.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions你可以说“电梯坏了”或“电梯故障了”。如果想要更礼貌，可以说“不好意思，电梯好像不能用了”。
两者意思相同，但“乘电梯”比“坐电梯”稍微正式一点。在日常口语中，大家更习惯说“坐电梯”。
电梯的量词通常用“部”或“台”。例如：一部门电梯，一台电梯。
Test Yourself
这栋楼有两___电梯。
电梯是大型设备，通常使用量词“部”。
Score: /1
Summary
An elevator is the standard vertical transportation device in modern buildings.
- A mechanical device for vertical transport.
- Used in buildings to move between floors.
- Commonly referred to as 'dianti' in Chinese.
Use the right measure word
Always use '部' or '台' when counting elevators. It sounds more natural to native speakers.
Distinguish from escalators
Don't confuse '电梯' (elevator) with '自动扶梯' (escalator). They serve different purposes.
Elevator etiquette in China
It is customary to let people exit before entering. In crowded buildings, wait in line.
Examples
4 of 4我正在等电梯。
I am waiting for the elevator.
请乘坐这部电梯上楼。
Please take this elevator to go upstairs.
电梯坏了，我们走楼梯吧。
The elevator is broken, let's take the stairs.
该建筑配备了高速电梯。
The building is equipped with high-speed elevators.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
