(しょうこうき)

しょうこうき
noun
elevator; lift
1. elevator; lift; hoist
A mechanical device for transporting people or goods between floors of a building. A formal or technical term for what is commonly called エレベーター in everyday speech.
昇降機(しょうこうき)点検中(てんけんちゅう)です。
The elevator is under maintenance.
建物(たてもの)昇降機(しょうこうき)設置(せっち)義務(ぎむ)づけられている。
Installation of an elevator is mandatory in the building.
車椅子(くるまいす)(かた)昇降機(しょうこうき)をご利用(りよう)ください。
Wheelchair users, please use the elevator.

A compound of 昇降(しょうこう) (ascending and descending) and () (machine). This is the formal/legal term for elevators and lifts, used in building codes, safety regulations, and official signage.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 昇降機(しょうこうき)設置(せっち): installation of an elevator
  • 昇降機(しょうこうき)点検(てんけん): elevator inspection
  • 昇降機(しょうこうき)検査(けんさ): elevator inspection/certification
  • 小荷物(こにもつ)昇降機(しょうこうき): dumbwaiter (small freight elevator)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • エレベーター: elevator — the everyday word used in conversation and most signage
  • リフト: lift ��� often used for ski lifts, wheelchair lifts, or platform lifts
  • エスカレーター: escalator — moving staircase; different mechanism

REGISTER:
Formal/technical. You will encounter this word in legal documents (建築基準法(けんちくきじゅんほう) — Building Standards Act), safety inspection certificates, and formal public notices. In everyday speech, エレベーター is overwhelmingly preferred.