prochaines étapes
In French, 'next steps' is translated as prochaines étapes.
This phrase describes the actions that need to be taken to move a project or process forward. It is commonly used in professional, project management and formal contexts to describe a roadmap or follow-up actions.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the feminine plural adjective prochaines (next) and the feminine plural noun étapes (steps).
Which one should you use?
While prochaines étapes is a standard way to say 'next steps', you may use Les étapes suivantes to mean 'the following steps', La suite du processus to mean 'the process's continuation' or Les démarches à venir to refer to future steps or procedures. In informal settings, you can use Ce qu'on fait après to mean 'what we do next'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because étape is a feminine noun, the adjective prochain must take the feminine plural form prochaines when used with étapes. If you are referring to a single next step, use the singular form la prochaine étape.
Did you know?
- The word étape originally referred to a relay station where travelers changed horses. Today it refers to a 'step' in a process or a 'stage' of a journey.
- The French language uses étape for milestones, but if you are talking about physical steps on a ladder or stairs, you must use marche instead.
- In the context of the Tour de France, an étape is a single day of racing. Fans and commentators use this word to describe each leg of the race.
Examples in context
- Quelles sont les prochaines étapes ?What are the next steps?This sentence is useful for asking what the prochaines étapes are.Tatoeba #7857558 by Salutlolo, translation #4289350 by felvideki
- Nous devons discuter des étapes suivantesWe need to discuss the next steps
- Je vais maintenant vous présenter la suite du processusI will now present you with the next steps of the process
- Nous attendons les démarches à venir du tribunalWe are awaiting the next steps from the court
- Et maintenant, quelle est la suite des événements ?And now, what are the next steps?
- On finit cette tâche, et puis, qu'est-ce qu'on fait après ?We finish this task, and then what do we do next?
- Nous devons examiner les prochaines démarches à entreprendreWe need to examine the next steps to take
- Je dois définir les prochaines étapes du projet.I need to define the next steps of the project.
- Nous discuterons des prochaines étapes demain matin.We will discuss the next steps tomorrow morning.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are finishing a business meeting.
- EmmaC'est une bonne réunion, Lucas.It was a good meeting, Lucas.
- LucasOui, mais quelles sont les prochaines étapes ?Yes, but what are the next steps?
- EmmaJe vais préparer le planning demain.I will prepare the schedule tomorrow.
- LucasParfait, j'attends ton message alors.Perfect, I'll wait for your message then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
