Translation guide
The English phrase "one step" can refer to a literal single step in walking, a short distance, or a metaphorical stage in a process. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to a single physical step when walking or moving.
The most direct and common way to say 'one step' in Japanese. Used for both literal and metaphorical steps.
彼は一歩前に出た。
He took one step forward.
一歩下がってください。
Please take one step back.
Describing a very short distance, often meaning 'just a step away' or 'very close'.
Literally 'at a place of one step', used to indicate something is very close.
駅はここから一歩のところです。
The station is just a step away from here.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'right under one's nose' or 'a stone's throw away'. More colorful than 一歩のところ.
コンビニは目と鼻の先だよ。
The convenience store is just a step away.
Referring to a single stage or action in a larger process, often used in phrases like 'one step at a time' or 'the first step'.
Also used metaphorically, just like in English. Common in phrases like 第一歩 (first step) or 一歩一歩 (step by step).
それが成功への第一歩だ。
That's the first step to success.
一歩一歩進んでいこう。
Let's take it one step at a time.
Means 'one stage' or 'one step' in a process. Slightly more formal or systematic than 一歩.
このプロジェクトは一段階進んだ。
This project has moved forward one step.
A set phrase meaning 'one step forward' or 'a step forward', often used in contexts of progress or improvement.
今回の会議で一歩前進した。
We made one step forward in this meeting.
Referring to a step in dancing or a rhythmic pattern.
Loanword from English, commonly used for dance steps or exercise steps.
このダンスはステップが簡単だ。
This dance has simple steps.
ワンステップ、ツーステップ。
One step, two step.
For a single stair step, use 一段 (いちだん), not 一歩. 一歩 is for walking steps or metaphorical steps.
階段を一段上がる。
Go up one step of the stairs.