英语中的“层”有很多表达方式，一些可以互换使用，但有些就要遵循英语的表达习惯。下面是几个常见的表达方式。
1.layer是最常见的表示“层”的单词，一般多指衣服、煤、土、冰等的层。比如：
A thin layer of dust covered everything.所有的物品上都积了薄薄的一层灰尘。A thin layer of ice formed over the lake.湖面上凝结了一层薄冰。How many layers of clothing are you wearing? 你穿了几层衣服。
2.film 指物体表面“薄薄一层”。比如：
Everything was covered in a film of dust. 所有的东西都蒙上了一层灰尘。A film of dust coated the table.桌上覆盖着一层灰尘。
3.coat“层”，多指涂料层，覆盖层，例如，油漆等。比如：
Let’s give the walls a second coat of paint.我们给墙刷上第二层涂料吧。The front door needs a new coat of paint. 前门要新刷一层油漆。The cats have grown a winter coat of hair.这些猫已长出一层毛来越冬。
4. sheet指“(一) 大层 (覆盖物)” 。比如：
The road was covered with a sheet of ice.路面结了一层冰。I placed a sheet of plastic over the top of the container.我在容器的上面盖了一层塑料纸。
5.level指“楼层；层面，层”。比如：
The library is all on one level.图书馆全部在同一层楼上。They found pottery in the lowest level of the site.他们在挖掘现场的最下层发现了陶器。
This is a multi-level parking lot.这是个多层停车场。The talks took place at a high level.谈判在高层领导人中进行。
6.storey“层”，主要指建筑物的楼层数目。比如：
The suspect took a leap out of a third-storey window.那个犯罪嫌疑人从三楼的窗口跳了出去。The office building is five storeys high. 办公大楼有五层楼高。
7.floor主要指居住或前往等的某楼层，即，楼房的层。比如：
His office is on the fifth floor. 他的办公室在五楼。Does the elevator stop at every floor?电梯在每层都停吗？
