paso
/ˈpaso/
The Spanish word for step is paso.
paso is the most general and common term for step in Spanish, referring to a distinct part of a process, a stage or a phase. Other words have specific meanings: escalón refers to a step in the sense of a physical step or stair and pisada describes the act of stepping or treading.
Meaning: a distinct part of a process, stage, phase (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of paso is pasos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpaso/
Did you know?
- In the context of Holy Week processions in Spain, a paso is not a movement but a large, ornate float carrying religious figures.
- The Latin origin of paso refers to the act of 'spreading out' or 'stretching', a motion that eventually became a 'step'.
- The word paso is used in the phrase dar el paso, which specifically describes the courage required to make a life-changing decision.
Examples in context
- Es un gran paso.It's a big step.This sentence shows how to describe a significant step using paso.Tatoeba #3566748 by ficion, translation #3315022 by CK
- Da un paso atrás.Step back.This sentence uses paso to describe the command to step back.Tatoeba #4557154 by swyter, translation #1553393 by CK
- Es el primer paso.It's the first step.This sentence uses paso to identify the first step in a process.Tatoeba #9964919 by Shishir, translation #5069918 by jhomel
- Por favor, siga los pasos indicados en el manual.Please follow the steps indicated in the manual.
- Este edificio tiene doce escalones.This building has twelve steps.
- Escucha mis pisadas al caminar.Listen to my steps as I walk.
- Deja tus zapatos en el primer peldaño.Leave your shoes on the first step.
- Voy a bajar los peldaños de la escalera.I'm going down the stairs' steps.
- 76 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing a work process in an office.
- María¿Cuál es el siguiente paso, Mateo?What is the next step, Mateo?
- MateoDebemos terminar este paso antes de la reunión.We must finish this step before the meeting.
- MaríaEntiendo, yo me encargo de esa parte.I understand, I will take care of that part.
- MateoGracias, María, eres muy eficiente.Thank you, María, you are very efficient.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry paso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
