Dictionary
English - Japanese

Footstep

ˈfʊtˌstɛp
Very common
~ 1600
~ 1600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

足音 (あしおと), 足跡 (あしあと), 一歩 (いっぽ)

Footstep meanings in Japanese

足音 (あしおと)

Example:
I heard a footstep behind me.
私の後ろで足音が聞こえた。
The footsteps echoed in the empty hallway.
空っぽの廊下で足音が反響した。
Usage: informalContext: Used in everyday conversation to describe the sound made by someone walking.
Note: This term is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese to refer to the sound of footsteps.

足跡 (あしあと)

Example:
There were footprints in the snow.
雪の中に足跡があった。
The detective followed the footsteps to find the suspect.
探偵は容疑者を見つけるために足跡を追った。
Usage: informalContext: Used to refer to the physical marks left by a person's feet on a surface.
Note: This term emphasizes the visual aspect and is often used in contexts involving tracking or evidence.

一歩 (いっぽ)

Example:
Take a step forward, one footstep at a time.
一歩ずつ前に進んでください。
Every footstep counts on the way to success.
成功への道では、すべての一歩が重要です。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in motivational or instructive contexts to emphasize progress or movement.
Note: This term can also refer to the concept of making progress or taking action rather than just the physical step.

Footstep's synonyms

step

A step is the act of moving one foot forward.
Example: I could hear the steps of someone approaching.
Note: Step is a more general term that can refer to any individual movement made by placing one foot in front of the other, whereas 'footstep' specifically refers to the sound or impression of a foot touching the ground.

stride

A stride is a long step or the distance covered in one step.
Example: With each stride, he covered more ground.
Note: Stride implies a longer, more purposeful step compared to a regular 'footstep.' It often conveys a sense of confidence or determination.

pace

Pace refers to the speed at which someone walks or the distance covered in a particular period.
Example: She quickened her pace as she walked through the dark alley.
Note: While 'footstep' refers to the sound or impression of a foot touching the ground, 'pace' focuses more on the speed or rhythm of walking.

footfall

Footfall is the sound made by a person's or animal's foot touching the ground.
Example: The only sound in the room was the soft footfall of the cat.
Note: Footfall is a more poetic or literary term for 'footstep,' often used to describe the sound of footsteps rather than the physical act of stepping.

Footstep expressions, common phrases

Follow in someone's footsteps

To do the same thing as someone before you, especially a family member or role model.
Example: She decided to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a doctor.
Note: This idiom emphasizes following someone's example or path rather than just their physical footprints.

Step into someone's shoes

To take over someone's position, responsibilities, or duties.
Example: After the manager retired, it was challenging to step into his shoes and lead the team.
Note: This phrase suggests assuming the role or duties of someone else rather than just physically stepping where they did.

On the right/wrong foot

To begin a situation or relationship positively/negatively.
Example: We started the project on the wrong foot, but eventually, things improved.
Note: This phrase refers to the beginning of a situation or relationship, not just the literal act of stepping with a foot.

Put your best foot forward

To make a good impression by trying your best.
Example: During the job interview, remember to put your best foot forward.
Note: This phrase focuses on making a good effort or impression, not just physically moving a foot.

One step at a time

To proceed gradually and methodically, focusing on one task at a time.
Example: Learning a new language can be overwhelming, but remember to take it one step at a time.
Note: This phrase emphasizes a systematic approach to progress, not just the physical act of taking a step.

Get off on the right/wrong foot

To start a relationship or interaction positively/negatively.
Example: I hope we can get off on the right foot and work well together.
Note: Similar to 'on the right/wrong foot,' this phrase refers to the beginning of a relationship or interaction.

Big shoes to fill

To take over a position or role that was previously held by someone impressive or successful.
Example: He left big shoes to fill when he retired as CEO.
Note: This idiom highlights the challenge of living up to the accomplishments of the previous person, not just physically stepping into their shoes.

Footstep everyday (slang) expressions

Tread

Describes the particular way someone walks or moves, often used to identify individuals by how they walk.
Example: She recognized his familiar tread as he walked down the hallway.
Note: While 'footstep' refers to the action of stepping with the foot, 'tread' emphasizes the unique style or sound of a person's steps.

Stomp

Means to walk with heavy, forceful steps that often produce a loud sound.
Example: He was so angry that he began to stomp around the room.
Note: Contrasts with 'footstep' by suggesting a more intentional, forceful, or emotional movement rather than a regular step.

Tap

Involves making a light rhythmic sound by repeatedly touching a surface with one's foot.
Example: He nervously tapped his foot as he waited for the interview to begin.
Note: Contrasts with 'footstep' by focusing on the gentle, repetitive contact of the foot rather than the act of walking or moving.

Scuff

Means to drag or shuffle one's feet along the ground, often unintentionally.
Example: She scuffed her feet along the floor as she walked slowly.
Note: Differs from 'footstep' by suggesting a less precise or deliberate movement of the foot, often resulting in a scraping or dragging noise.

Footstep - Examples

His footsteps echoed through the empty hallway.
I followed the footsteps in the snow.
The company is trying to reduce its carbon footprint.

Footstep grammar

Footstep - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: footstep
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): footsteps
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): footstep
Syllables, Separation and Stress
footstep Contains 2 syllables: foot • step
Phonetic transcription: ˈfu̇t-ˌstep
foot step , ˈfu̇t ˌstep (The red syllable is stressed)

Footstep - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
footstep: ~ 1600 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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