Translation guide
A stepping stone can be a physical stone used to cross water, or a metaphorical step that helps you reach a goal. Japanese uses different words for the literal object and the figurative meaning, and the figurative use often appears in set phrases.
A flat stone placed in a path or shallow water to walk on.
Something that helps you progress toward a goal, often a temporary step.
Literally 'a foothold toward ~'. Very common for describing a stepping stone to a larger goal.
この仕事は将来のキャリアへの足がかりだ。
This job is a stepping stone to my future career.
踏み石 (fumiishi) is the general word for a stepping stone, while 飛び石 (tobiishi) emphasizes the gaps between stones and is strongly associated with Japanese gardens. For literal use, 踏み石 is safer; 飛び石 is more poetic.
踏み石を置いて歩きやすくした。
I placed stepping stones to make it easier to walk.
飛び石の間隔が広すぎる。
The gaps between the stepping stones are too wide.
The English phrase 'stepping stone' is often used figuratively, but directly translating it as 踏み石 in figurative contexts sounds unnatural. Use 足がかり or ステップ instead.
I arranged stepping stones in the garden.
Literally 'jumping stones', often used for spaced stones in a Japanese garden or across water. Can also be used metaphorically.
池の飛び石を渡る。
I cross the pond using the stepping stones.
Uses the English loanword 'step'. Common in business and casual contexts.
その経験は成功へのステップになった。
That experience became a stepping stone to success.
Literally 'step stool' or 'springboard'. Often implies using something or someone as a means to advance, sometimes with a negative nuance.
Can sound negative if used about people, implying exploitation.
彼はその会社を踏み台にして独立した。
He used that company as a stepping stone to start his own business.
A more formal or motivational phrase meaning 'a step for a leap forward'.
留学は飛躍のためのステップだ。
Studying abroad is a stepping stone for a leap forward.
このインターンシップは将来への足がかりです。
This internship is a stepping stone to the future.
このインターンシップは将来への足がかりです。
This internship is a stepping stone to the future.