Inklingo
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pasos

/PAH-sohs/

steps

A close-up view of two human feet walking on a green path, clearly illustrating the physical action of taking steps.

Pasos (steps): The physical movement or distance covered by walking.

pasos(noun)

mA1

steps

?

physical movement or distance

,

paces

?

distance measurement

Also:

strides

?

long steps

📝 In Action

Di cien pasos para llegar a la tienda.

A1

I took a hundred steps to get to the store.

El bebé ya da sus primeros pasos solo.

A1

The baby is already taking his first steps alone.

Necesito acelerar mis pasos si no quiero llegar tarde.

A2

I need to quicken my pace if I don't want to be late.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • zancadas (strides)
  • andares (walk, gait)

Common Collocations

  • contar los pasos – to count the steps
  • dar grandes pasos – to take large steps

💡 Grammar Points

Always Plural

Remember that 'pasos' is the plural form of 'paso' (a step). It is always masculine.

⭐ Usage Tips

Walking vs. Taking Steps

To say 'I am walking,' use 'caminar' or 'andar.' Use 'dar pasos' (to give steps) when you mean the act of taking an individual step.

A hand carefully placing the final wooden block onto a small tower, symbolizing the completion of a sequence of deliberate actions or measures.

Pasos (measures): The deliberate actions taken in sequence to achieve a specific goal.

pasos(noun)

mB1

measures

?

actions taken to achieve a goal

,

steps

?

stages in a process

Also:

procedures

?

formal process

📝 In Action

Tenemos que tomar pasos firmes para reducir el riesgo.

B1

We have to take firm measures to reduce the risk.

Los primeros pasos del proyecto son definir el presupuesto.

B2

The first steps of the project are defining the budget.

Ella siguió todos los pasos de la receta al pie de la letra.

B1

She followed all the steps of the recipe precisely.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • seguir los pasos – to follow the steps
  • tomar pasos – to take measures

Idioms & Expressions

  • pasos a seguir – next steps, course of action

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Tomar'

When talking about taking actions or measures, use the verb 'tomar' (to take). Example: 'Tomamos pasos para mejorar.'

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal vs. Informal

This meaning is often used in formal reports, business communication, or instructional writing.

A series of deep human footprints clearly imprinted in wet sand on a beach, trailing away into the distance.

Pasos (footsteps): The physical impression left by walking, often associated with the sound made.

pasos(noun)

mA2

footsteps

?

the sound made by walking

Also:

tread

?

sound of walking

📝 In Action

Oí pasos en el pasillo, pero no vi a nadie.

A2

I heard footsteps in the hallway, but I didn't see anyone.

Los pasos de mi padre eran muy pesados.

B1

My father's footsteps were very heavy.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • escuchar pasos – to hear footsteps
  • seguir los pasos de alguien – to follow someone's footsteps (literally or figuratively)

❌ Common Pitfalls

Footsteps vs. Footprints

Mistake: "Using 'pasos' when you mean the physical mark left on the ground."

Correction: Use 'huellas' for footprints. 'Pasos' usually refers to the sound or the action itself.

A stylized silhouette of a single dancer performing a graceful ballet leap on a polished wooden floor.

Pasos (moves): A specific action or movement that forms part of a dance or choreography.

pasos(noun)

mB1

moves

?

in dance or choreography

,

steps

?

specific sequence of movement

Also:

routine

?

dance routine

📝 In Action

La salsa tiene pasos muy rápidos y complejos.

B1

Salsa has very fast and complex steps/moves.

Ella enseña los pasos básicos del tango.

B1

She teaches the basic steps of the tango.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • movimientos (movements)
  • figuras (figures (dance))

Common Collocations

  • aprender los pasos – to learn the steps
  • pasos de baile – dance steps

⭐ Usage Tips

Dance Context

When talking about dance, 'pasos' specifically refers to the defined movements or sequence, like 'pasos de ballet' (ballet steps).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: pasos

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'pasos' to mean 'actions taken to solve a problem'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'pasos' always plural?

Yes, 'pasos' is the plural form of the noun 'paso' (step). You use 'paso' when referring to just one step or a mountain pass, and 'pasos' when referring to multiple steps, actions, or moves.

How do I say 'take a step' in Spanish?

You would typically use the phrase 'dar un paso' (to give a step). When referring to multiple steps, you say 'dar pasos' (to give steps).