expression, adverb
one more step; one more; another
Used when something is almost complete or just one more effort/item is needed. Often appears with verbs like 足りない, 及ばない, or in contexts of near success.
See also: 今一つ (いまひとつ)
優勝まであと一歩だったのに、最後の試合で負けてしまった。
We were just one step away from the championship, but we lost the final match.
材料があと一歩足りないので、買い足してきます。
We're one ingredient short, so I'll go buy more.
expression, adverb
not quite; not very good; lacking
Expresses that something is slightly insufficient or falls short of expectations. Often used with ～の感がある or similar phrases.
See also: 今一つ (いまひとつ)
彼の説明はあと一歩のところで納得できなかった。
His explanation was almost convincing, but not quite.
この料理は味
This dish is not quite there in flavor; it needs a bit more salt.
今一つ also means 'one more' or 'not quite', but is more formal and less common in casual speech. あと一歩 is more vivid, emphasizing a single remaining step.
Compound of あと (after, remaining) and 一歩 (one step). The phrase literally means 'one more step' and is used metaphorically for near completion or slight insufficiency.