Definitions

(noun) ladder; stairs

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "梯" is a phono-semantic compound formed from the semantic component 木, indicating wood, and the phonetic component 弟, which provides its pronunciation. Its original meaning was "ladder", specifically one made from wood, and this concept expanded over time to include various ascending structures such as stairs and steps. In modern usage, it further extends to mechanical devices like escalators and elevators, while also acquiring abstract senses such as gradient or hierarchy, yet its structural composition continues to reflect its initial material association.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我每天走楼

Wǒ měitiān zǒu lóutī.

I walk the stairs every day.

正在维修。

Diàntī zhèngzài wéixiū.

The elevator is under maintenance.

子放在仓库里。

Tīzi fàng zài cāngkù lǐ.

The ladder is placed in the warehouse.

这个形很规则。

Zhège tīxíng hěn guīzé.

This trapezoid is very regular.

团队分为三个队。

Tuánduì fēn wéi sān gè tīduì.

The team is divided into three echelons.

消防员用云救人。

Xiāofángyuán yòng yúntī jiù rén.

Firefighters use an aerial ladder to rescue people.

公司采用队式管理。

Gōngsī cǎiyòng tīduìshì guǎnlǐ.

The company adopts echelon-style management.

攀岩需要专业的具。

Pānyán xūyào zhuānyè de tījù.

Rock climbing requires professional climbing equipment.