étapes
The English phrase "steps" can be translated into French as étapes.
The word étapes refers to the individual stages or actions required to complete a process.
Which one should you use?
Use étapes for stages in a process, but use pas for the physical steps one takes while walking.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is étape. The plural form is étapes.
Did you know?
- While étapes describes a process, the phrase pas à pas is the common French idiom for 'step by step', using the word for physical walking instead.
- In French history, an étape also referred to a mandatory stopping point or relay station for travelers on long journeys.
- The word étape is a linguistic cousin of the English word 'stage'. Both describe a stopping point on a journey, though English now uses 'stage' more often for theater and 'step' for a process.
Examples in context
- Laisse-moi t'en noter les étapes !Let me write down the steps for you.This sentence shows how to use étapes when offering to write down a sequence of actions.Tatoeba #4217878 by sacredceltic, translation #4198349 by CK
- Quelles sont les prochaines étapes ?What are the next steps?This is useful for asking about the upcoming stages in a process using étapes.Tatoeba #7857558 by Salutlolo, translation #4289350 by felvideki
- Ce sont les étapes qui mènent droit à l'échec.These are the steps that lead straight to failure.This sentence illustrates how étapes can describe a sequence leading to a specific result.Tatoeba #1035483 by sacredceltic, translation #847163 by Source_Benedict_1921
- Je monte les marches pour atteindre le deuxième étage.I climb the steps to reach the second floor.
- Assurez-vous de tenir la rampe lorsque vous descendez les marches.Make sure to hold the railing when going down the steps.
- L'escalier de l'hôtel est magnifique !The hotel staircase is magnificent!
- Descendez l'escalier jusqu'au rez-de-chaussée.Go down the stairs to the ground floor.
- Avance lentement et fais de petits pas pour traverser le pont.Move slowly and take small steps to cross the bridge.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are discussing their new project at work.
- GabrielAs-tu préparé les étapes du projet ?Have you prepared the steps of the project?
- EmmaOui, j'ai fini de les lister.Yes, I finished listing them.
- GabrielC'est parfait, Emma.That's perfect, Emma.
- EmmaOn peut commencer demain.We can start tomorrow.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
