la escalera

Definition & meaning

Escalera is a feminine Spanish noun with several related meanings:

1. Staircase or stairs: a structure made of steps that connects different levels of a building. It can refer to the whole structure or a flight of stairs.
2. Ladder: a portable frame with rungs used for climbing.
3. A straight in card games: a sequence of consecutive cards, especially in poker.

The context makes clear whether it means stairs, a ladder, or a card sequence.

Grammar & Word origin

Escalera is feminine: la escalera. Its plural is las escaleras.

It is derived from escala ↗ with the suffix -era, and ultimately comes from Latin scala, meaning “stair” or “ladder.”

Synonyms & antonyms

There is no single synonym that fits every meaning:

• Escalinata ↗ refers specifically to a broad or grand flight of steps, often in front of an important building.
• Escalera de mano [?](vocabuo://word/escalera de mano) means a portable ladder, making it a more specific equivalent when escalera means “ladder.”

There is no direct antonym. Ascensor ↗ (“elevator”) and rampa ↗ (“ramp”) can be alternative ways to move between levels, but they are not antonyms.

Common phrases & collocations

• Subir la escalera [?](vocabuo://word/subir la escalera) — to go up the stairs or climb a ladder.
• Bajar la escalera [?](vocabuo://word/bajar la escalera) — to go down the stairs or climb down a ladder.
• Escalera de caracol [?](vocabuo://word/escalera de caracol) — spiral staircase.
• Escalera mecánica [?](vocabuo://word/escalera mecánica) — escalator.