Una escalera

[laepelba]

... una escalera ... ??? ¿Cuál?



O .....



If they both use the same word, then how does one verbally distinguish between the two (which are quite different objects!)??

[Rusty]

You can say escalera de mano to refer to the ladder if you want, but generally there would be no ambiguity. If someone says 'traeme la escalera', you wouldn't think that they wanted a staircase. English has many words that are used for two different things. So does Spanish. In fact, escalera is also the word for a run in a card game.

[chileno]

Originally Posted by laepelba

... una escalera ... ??? ¿Cuál?



O .....



If they both use the same word, then how does one verbally distinguish between the two (which are quite different objects!)??

Both terns are used indistinctly, however if I had to chose I would say staircase = escalas and ladder = escalera (de tijeras) (scissors)


Hernan.

[CrOtALiTo]

Rusty. You meant Escalera for run game or it's Carrera. I believe that it should to be Carera not Escalera.

[Sancho Panther]

Chileno,
Both terms are used indistinctly,

I don't wish to offend but in English indistinctly means not properly heard, seen or understood. Whereas I think what you want to say is interchangeable (Spanish - intercambiable).

Only trying to help!

BTW Laepelba - nice staircase! And can I ask - what does Laepelba mean?

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by CrOtALiTo

I believe that it should to be Carrera, not Escalera.

That may be another way to say a straight, but I was unable to find a lot of supporting evidence for it.
In all the web sites I looked at, they use escalera to describe a straight (five cards whose values are in sequence/cinco naipes de valor (numeración) consecutivo).

For example: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (varied suits)
Por ejemplo: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (de palos distintos)

[laepelba]

Originally Posted by chileno

Both terns are used indistinctly, however if I had to chose I would say staircase = escalas and ladder = escalera (de tijeras) (scissors)


Hernan.

So, the "tijeras" refers to the "folding" aspect of the ladder, and not the metal of which it is made? A wooden folding ladder could also be "escalera de tijeras"? What about a ladder that leans against a building? Still simply "escalera"?

Originally Posted by Sancho Panther

BTW Laepelba - nice staircase! And can I ask - what does Laepelba mean?

Well, "L" is my first initial (of my first name) and "Aepelba" are the first seven letters of my last name. It was a login that I was assigned MANY years ago to a computer system at work, and I've just continued to use it as my login ID everywhere on the internet ... easiest to remember just one thing. You can call me "Lou Ann".

Originally Posted by Rusty

You can say escalera de mano to refer to the ladder if you want, but generally there would be no ambiguity. If someone says 'traeme la escalera', you wouldn't think that they wanted a staircase. English has many words that are used for two different things. So does Spanish. In fact, escalera is also the word for a run in a card game.

You're right - there are SO many words in English that need to be deciphered via context. I just wanted to be sure. And I LOVE that it's also used in poker. Makes a lot of sense that way, too!

[chileno]

Originally Posted by CrOtALiTo

Rusty. You meant Escalera for run game or it's Carrera. I believe that it should to be Carera not Escalera.

What Rusty said is correct. Escala or Escalera is used in most spanish countries. You might know it as corrida, but is not widely used.

Originally Posted by Sancho Panther

Chileno,
Both terms are used indistinctly,

I don't wish to offend but in English indistinctly means not properly heard, seen or understood. Whereas I think what you want to say is interchangeable (Spanish - intercambiable).

Only trying to help!

BTW Laepelba - nice staircase! And can I ask - what does Laepelba mean?

oops

That would be a false cognate. My mistake.

I meant indistinguishably.

Originally Posted by laepelba

So, the "tijeras" refers to the "folding" aspect of the ladder, and not the metal of which it is made?

Right.

Originally Posted by laepelba

A wooden folding ladder could also be "escalera de tijeras"? What about a ladder that leans against a building? Still simply "escalera"?

O escalas.





Hernan.

[Tomisimo]

Originally Posted by laepelba

If they both use the same word, then how does one verbally distinguish between the two (which are quite different objects!)??

You distinguish between them by context. If I say "Voy a ir por la escalera", you know which one I'm talking about. We do this same thing in English, but you don't think of it, since it comes naturally. For example consider bank: You can have the bank of a river, a bank where you deposit money, or a bank shot in different sports.

[chileno]

Originally Posted by Tomisimo

You distinguish between them by context. If I say "Voy a ir por la escalera", you know which one I'm talking about. We do this same thing in English, but you don't think of it, since it comes naturally. For example consider bank: You can have the bank of a river, a bank where you deposit money, or a bank shot in different sports.

Wait.

I can say "Voy a ir por la(s) escalera(s)" it is the same as "Voy a ir por la(s) escala(s)"

Now. Either phrase can mean: I am going to use the ladder (ie) or that I am going to fetch the ladder.

The latter phrase can be used only when using a staircase. you cannot fetch a staircase, right?


Hernan.