Translation guide
How to express 'step forward' in Japanese, covering physical movement, volunteering, and progress.
To take a step forward with one's foot.
Literally 'step one step forward'. The most natural way to describe the physical action.
一歩前に出てください。
Please step forward.
彼は一歩前に出た。
He stepped forward.
To offer oneself for a task or to identify oneself.
To move forward in a process, career, or situation.
To advance or make progress. Used for projects, careers, or abstract movement.
プロジェクトは大きく前進した。
The project stepped forward significantly.
The English phrase 'step forward' is often used metaphorically. Direct translation like 'ステップフォワード' is not natural Japanese. Use context-appropriate expressions instead.
Emphasizes moving forward from a group or position. Slightly more formal.
彼は群衆から前に進み出た。
He stepped forward from the crowd.
To step forward, often with a sense of starting something. Can be used literally or metaphorically.
彼は一歩踏み出した。
He took a step forward.
To step forward and identify oneself, often as a volunteer or witness.
犯人は名乗り出た。
The culprit stepped forward (and confessed).
誰か手伝いたい人は名乗り出てください。
If anyone wants to help, please step forward.
Literally 'raise one's hand'. Used when volunteering in a group setting.
ボランティアをしたい人は手を挙げてください。
Those who want to volunteer, please step forward (raise your hand).
To step forward from a group, often to volunteer or accept a challenge.
彼は勇気を出して進み出た。
He gathered his courage and stepped forward.
Literally 'advance one step'. Emphasizes a small but meaningful step forward.
交渉は一歩前進した。
The negotiations stepped forward a bit.
Loanword from English 'step up'. Used for career advancement or improving skills.
彼はキャリアでステップアップした。
He stepped forward in his career.