Korean Dictionary
How to say "Staircase" in Korean
“Staircase” in Korean is 계단 (pronounced "Gyedan").
계단
Gyedan
Usage & Context
Steps connecting different levels. Essential vertical circulation element.
Example Sentence
계단을 올라가는 것이 힘들어요.
Climbing the stairs is tiring.
How to use 계단 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Staircase” is 계단, romanized as Gyedan.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 계단.
Pronunciation Guide
계단 (Gyedan) sounds like 'Gyeh-dahn'. 'Gyeh' is similar to 'gay' but with a softer 'g' and a slightly more open 'e' sound. 'Dahn' is like 'dawn'. Stress is on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
Explaining an everyday inconvenience.
엘리베이터가 고장 나서 계단으로 걸어 올라갔어요.
The elevator was broken, so I walked up the stairs.
Assessing a building's safety features.
이 건물은 비상 계단이 잘 되어 있어서 안전해요.
This building has good emergency stairs, so it's safe.
Giving a safety warning to parents.
아이들이 계단에서 뛰지 않도록 조심시켜야 해요.
You need to make sure children don't run on the stairs.
Cultural Context
In Korea, especially in older buildings or subway stations, "계단" can be quite steep and long. While elevators and escalators are common, taking the stairs is often seen as a quick way to get some exercise. You'll often hear people say "계단으로 가자" (Let's go by stairs) if it's just a few floors. Many traditional Korean houses (한옥) also feature beautiful, often wooden, "계단" connecting different levels or courtyards.
Editorial note
We review entries like 계단 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
계단을 오르다
To climb the stairs
계단을 내려가다
To go down the stairs
비상 계단
Emergency stairs
Related Expressions
엘리베이터
ellibeiteo
Elevator
에스컬레이터
eseukeolleiteo
Escalator
층계
cheunggye
Stairs (more formal/literary)
난간
nangan
Handrail, banister
More Architecture Words
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