A step can be a movement or an action that advances a goal.
The idea
Use dar un paso for either sense; direction or purpose makes the meaning clear.
Examples
- Da un paso hacia la puerta.Take a step towards the door.
- El niño dio un paso atrás.The child took a step back.
- Dimos un paso adelante en el proyecto.We took a step forward in the project.
- Ella dio el primer paso para cambiar de trabajo.She took the first step towards changing jobs.
- El equipo dio un gran paso hacia el acuerdo.The team took a big step towards an agreement.
- Antes de saltar, dio un paso a la izquierda.Before jumping, the person took a step to the left.
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Watch out
Avoid hacer un paso for taking a step: the usual combination is dar un paso.
Try it yourself
Complete the sentence: La bailarina ___ un paso hacia la ventana. (da / tiene)
Show answer or example answer
da
da agrees with the dancer.
Complete the sentence: El acuerdo es un paso ___ para el equipo. (adelante / atrás)
Show answer or example answer
adelante
adelante indicates progress toward the agreement.
Complete the sentence: Para empezar, dimos el ___ paso. (primer / primero)
Show answer or example answer
primer
primer precedes the masculine singular noun.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Complete the sentence: La bailarina ___ un paso hacia la ventana. (da / tiene)
Complete the sentence: El acuerdo es un paso ___ para el equipo. (adelante / atrás)
Complete the sentence: Para empezar, dimos el ___ paso. (primer / primero)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe a first step toward a goal.