dar un paso atrás
/daɾ un paso atɾas/from spelling rules
To say step back in Spanish, use dar un paso atrás.
dar un paso atrás means to take a step backward. A shorter single verb is retroceder, to step back or move backward.
Meaning: take a step opposite of the direction one is facing (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is made of dar (to give), un paso (a step) and atrás (back or behind).
Which one should you use?
To tell someone to move away, the formal command Aléjese is common.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Mexico people say apártate or quítate de en medio to mean get out of the way. In Argentina and Uruguay retrocedé is used informally to mean step back.
How does it change in a sentence?
dar un paso atrás is an infinitive phrase. Conjugate dar for the person, keeping un paso atrás the same.
How do you pronounce it?
In IPA it is /daɾ un paso atɾas/, with the stress on the last syllable of atrás.
Did you know?
- The word paso comes from the Latin passus, which literally meant 'spread out' as in something stretched out to dry.
- While dar un paso atrás describes a physical movement, it is frequently used as a metaphor for conceding a point or retreating in a political or social negotiation.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, telling someone to quítate or apártate can sound much more aggressive or abrupt than the English 'step back'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, retroceda para que pueda pasar.Please step back so I can pass.
- Por su seguridad, le ruego que se aleje.For your safety, I urge you to step back.
- Recúa un poco, estás muy cerca.Step back a bit, you're too close.
- Retrocede y dame un poco de espacio, por favor.Step back and give me some space, please.
- Retrocedé un poco, por favor.Step back a bit, please.
- Por favor, dé un paso atrás.Please, take a step back.
- Debes dar un paso atrás para no caer.You should take a step back to not fall.
Example conversation
Lucía is taking a photo of Daniel.
- LucíaDaniel, muévete un poco más lejos.Daniel, move a bit further away.
- Daniel¿Qué tan lejos?How far?
- LucíaSolo tienes que dar un paso atrás.You just have to take a step back.
- DanielEstá bien, ¿así está mejor?Okay, is it better like this?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dar un paso atrás, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atrás, dar, paso, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
