1.
to step forward; to step out
To physically move a foot forward or step outside a boundary.
一歩前に踏み出す。
Take one step forward.
白線から足を踏み出さないでください。
Please do not step past the white line.
彼女はステージに向かって力強く一歩を踏み出した。
She took a strong step toward the stage.
2.
to take the first step; to embark on
To begin a new endeavor or venture, often overcoming hesitation. A figurative extension of the physical meaning.
新しい世界へ踏み出す。
To step into a new world.
勇気を出して最初の一歩を踏み出した。
I gathered my courage and took the first step.
長年の夢だった独立に向けて、ついに一歩を踏み出すことにした。
I finally decided to take the first step toward my long-held dream of going independent.
踏み出す is a transitive godan verb. Compound of 踏む (to step on) + 出す (to put out). Sense 2 is very common in motivational and life-change contexts.
ASPECT (ている):
Rarely used in the ている form since it describes a momentary action.
PARTICLE PATTERNS:
- 一歩を踏み出す (take a step)
- ～へ踏み出す (step out toward)
- ～から踏み出す (step out from)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 一歩を踏み出す (take the first step)
- 最初の一歩を踏み出す (take the very first step)
- 新しい一歩を踏み出す (take a new step forward)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 踏み込む: to step into, to tread into (entering a place or situation more deeply)
- 乗り出す: to set out, to embark (emphasizes beginning an active venture)