Translation guide
The English word 'step' covers a wide range of meanings, from a physical movement of the foot to a stage in a process. This guide organizes the most common uses for learners and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Describing the physical action of taking one step forward, backward, etc.
The most common and natural way to say 'a step' as a single movement of the foot. Used with verbs like 踏み出す (to take a step) or 歩く (to walk).
彼は一歩前に踏み出した。
He took a step forward.
もう一歩も歩けない。
I can't walk another step.
Counter for steps, often used in compound words or more formal contexts. Less common in everyday speech than 一歩.
歩数を数える。
Count the number of steps.
Referring to the noise made by walking or the footprint left behind.
Describing one part of a series of actions needed to achieve something.
Indicating that something is very close, just a few steps away.
Referring to the flat part of a staircase where you place your foot.
Counter or noun for stairs, steps, or tiers. Used with numbers to specify which step.
Referring to a step in dancing.
The action of placing one's foot on something, often accidentally or with pressure.
General verb meaning 'to step on' or 'to tread on.' Used for both intentional and accidental actions.
Both mean 'step' in a process. 段階 is more formal and often used in written or official contexts. ステップ is casual and common in spoken Japanese, especially in business or tech settings.
段階を踏んで進める。
Proceed step by step (formal).
ステップバイステップで説明して。
Explain it step by step (casual).
English uses 'step' in many idiomatic phrases (e.g., 'step by step', 'watch your step') that don't always translate directly. For 'step by step', use 一歩一歩 (いっぽいっぽ) or 少しずつ (すこしずつ). For 'watch your step', use 足元に気をつけて (あしもとにきをつけて).
足元に気をつけてください。
Please watch your step.
この問題を解決するために手段を講じる必要がある。
We need to take steps to solve this problem.
Here 'steps' means measures or actions, not physical steps.
The sound of footsteps. Commonly used to describe hearing someone approach.
廊下で足音が聞こえた。
I heard footsteps in the hallway.
Footprints or tracks left on the ground. Can be used literally or figuratively.
雪の上に足跡が残っていた。
Footsteps remained in the snow.
A stage, phase, or step in a process. Very common in both formal and informal contexts.
次の段階に進みましょう。
Let's move on to the next step.
計画はまだ初期段階です。
The plan is still in the early steps.
Procedure, steps, or order of doing things. Often used in instructions or manuals.
手順を説明します。
I will explain the steps.
Loanword from English, commonly used in business, technology, or casual contexts. Often interchangeable with 段階.
次のステップは何ですか？
What's the next step?
Idiomatic expression meaning 'right under one's nose' or 'a stone's throw away.' More colorful than すぐそこ.
コンビニは目と鼻の先だよ。
The convenience store is just a few steps away.
階段の一段目に座った。
I sat on the first step of the stairs.
この階段は何段ありますか？
How many steps does this staircase have?
Specifically refers to a step on a staircase or ladder. More technical than 段.
踏み段が壊れている。
The step is broken.
The loanword is standard for dance steps. Used in phrases like ダンスステップ.
新しいダンスのステップを覚えた。
I learned a new dance step.
Literally 'foot movement,' used in traditional dance or martial arts to describe footwork or steps.
日本舞踊では足の運びが重要だ。
In Japanese dance, footwork (steps) is important.
彼の足を踏んでしまった。
I accidentally stepped on his foot.
ブレーキを踏んでください。
Please step on the brake.
To trample or stomp on something, often with force or intentionally. Stronger than 踏む.
花を踏みつけないで。
Don't step on the flowers.