一歩
い
っ
ぽ
Meanings
1
one step; a step
Literal single step of movement; often used with verbs like 踏み出す, 進む, 下がる.
He took one step forward.
I couldn't move even a single step.
2
Figurative step in a process, progress, or development; common in phrases like 第一歩 (first step) or 一歩前進 (one step forward).
This is the first step toward success.
The negotiations haven't progressed even one step.
3
Used adverbially to indicate a small degree or amount; often in comparisons or expressions of slight difference.
He is a little better.
This plan is slightly ahead.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉への一歩を踏み出すto take a step toward (something)
He took a step toward a new life.
- 〈事〉に一歩近づくto get one step closer to (something)
We got one step closer to achieving our goal.
- 〈場所〉から一歩も動かないnot to move an inch from (a place)
He didn't move an inch from that spot.
- 〈相手〉に一歩及ばないto fall just short of (someone/something)
In the final, he fell just short of the champion.
- 〈相手〉に一歩遅れるto be one step behind (someone)
He finished a step behind his rival.
Expressions· 10
- あと一歩one more step; one more; another · not quite; not very good; lacking
- 一日一歩one step each day
- 一歩引くtake a step back; retreat a step; back up
- 一歩手前just this side of; one step short of; on the brink
- 一歩譲るbe slightly inferior; be a degree worse · give an inch; make a concession; concede a point