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pasos

PAH-sohs/ˈpasos/

steps, paces

Also: strides
NounmA1
A close-up view of two human feet walking on a green path, clearly illustrating the physical action of taking 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

measures, steps

Also: procedures
NounmB1
A hand carefully placing the final wooden block onto a small tower, symbolizing the completion of a sequence of deliberate actions or measures.

📝 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

footsteps

Also: tread
NounmA2
A series of deep human footprints clearly imprinted in wet sand on a beach, trailing away into the distance.

📝 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)

moves, steps

Also: routine
NounmB1
A stylized silhouette of a single dancer performing a graceful ballet leap on a polished wooden floor.

📝 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

Common Collocations

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

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: pasos

Question 1 of 2

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

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
acososreposos
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *passus*, meaning 'a pace' or 'a step,' which itself is related to the verb *pandere* (to spread out). The core idea is the distance covered by spreading the legs.

First recorded: 10th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: passosItalian: passi

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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).