steps
steps — 名詞
1. one of a series of small actions that you do one after another in order to reach
步驟；階段
為達成目標而做的一系列行動之一
one of a series of small actions that you do one after another in order to reach a particular goal or complete a task — for example, following a recipe, learning a skill, or solving a problem.
The first step in baking a cake is to mix the flour and eggs together.
烤蛋糕的第一步，是把麵粉和蛋攪拌在一起。
"step in [gerund]" pattern for starting a process
Mei followed every step of the repair guide carefully.
小美仔細按照維修指南的每個步驟操作。
Taking this class is an important step toward getting your degree.
修這門課是邁向取得學位的重要一步。
The next step is to send your application to the admissions office.
下一步就是把你的申請表寄到招生辦公室。
文法句型
step in [process]
step of [process]
the next step is to [verb]
用法筆記
Commonly used with 'next', 'first', 'important', and 'necessary'. The object of 'step' in this sense is usually an action or task, not a physical object.
常見錯誤
2. a flat surface shaped like a narrow shelf, placed one above another in a series
階梯；梯級
上下樓梯時踏腳的平面結構
a flat surface shaped like a narrow shelf, placed one above another in a series so that you can go up or down between different levels inside a building or on a path.
The children sat on the front steps waiting for the ice-cream truck.
孩子們坐在門前的階梯上，等待冰淇淋車的到來。
"sit on the steps" — physical location usage
Be careful — the stone steps are very slippery after the rain.
小心——那些石階在下過雨後非常滑。
Hideo held the railing tightly as he walked down the steep wooden steps.
Hideo 緊緊抓著扶手，走下陡峭的木製階梯。
The old ladder had three broken rungs, so Priya climbed only to the fifth step.
舊梯子有三根橫桿斷了，所以 Priya 只爬到了第五級。
文法句型
[number] steps
up/down the steps
a flight of steps
用法筆記
Often plural ('steps') when referring to a short staircase. 'Stairs' usually refers to a full indoor staircase between floors; 'steps' can be indoors or outdoors and often refers to shorter flights.
常見錯誤
3. each time you raise your foot and set it down somewhere else as you move from on
步伐；一步
走路時抬腳移動及涵蓋的距離
each time you raise your foot and set it down somewhere else as you move from one spot to another; also, the short distance between where your foot lands and where it was before.
Chloe took one step forward and then stopped suddenly.
Chloe 往前踏了一步，然後突然停了下來。
"take a step" — core collocation
The café is only a few steps from the train station.
那家咖啡館距離火車站只有幾步路的距離。
"a few steps from [place]" for short distance
Kim heard a noise behind her and took a quick step to the side.
Kim 聽到身後有聲音，便迅速往旁邊閃了一步。
With every step the soldier's boots sank deeper into the mud.
士兵每踏一步，靴子就陷進泥巴裡更深一些。
文法句型
take a step [direction]
a step forward/backward
within a few steps of [place]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense involves a literal physical foot movement, not a figurative stage in a process. 'Take a step' can be ambiguous — context determines whether it means a literal foot movement or a figurative action.
常見錯誤
4. the state of either matching (in step) or not matching (out of step) the rhythm
同步；協調
腳步或意見一致或不一致
the state of either matching (in step) or not matching (out of step) the rhythm of a group's marching or walking, or — in figurative use — having opinions, ideas, or values that are the same as or different from those of others around you.
The soldiers marched in perfect step, left foot hitting the ground at the same time.
士兵們整齊劃一地行進，左腳同時落地。
"in step" — literal marching in unison
Dr. Lin's views on education are completely out of step with the current government policy.
林博士對教育的看法與現行政府政策完全脫節。
"out of step with" — figurative disagreement
The band struggled to keep in step during the parade on the cobblestone street.
樂團在鵝卵石街道的遊行中努力保持步伐一致。
Aiko felt out of step with her classmates, who all wanted careers in finance.
Aiko 覺得自己和班上那些都想從事金融業的同學格格不入。
- in harmony
more formal; implies peaceful agreement rather than rhythm matching.
- aligned
can be used literally or figuratively for being in agreement.
- out of step
the direct opposite; not matching rhythm or opinion.
文法句型
in step with [someone/something]
out of step with [someone/something]
keep in step
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively in the fixed phrases 'in step' and 'out of step'. The preposition 'with' introduces the person or group being matched or mismatched. Figurative use is very common in discussion of social, political, or generational differences.
常見錯誤
5. a short folding ladder with flat steps instead of rungs, used in homes for reach
摺梯
家用可摺疊的小梯子
a short folding ladder with flat steps instead of rungs, used in homes for reaching high places.
Marta fetched a pair of steps from the shed to change the lightbulb.
Marta 從儲藏室拿了一張摺梯來換燈泡。
"a pair of steps" — set phrase in British English
Make sure someone holds the steps steady while you climb up.
爬上去的時候，要確定有人幫你扶穩梯子。
The library steps folded neatly and slid behind the door.
圖書館的那把摺梯折疊整齊，收在門後面。
- stepladder
the standard term in American English; clearer than 'steps' for this meaning.
- step stool
a shorter, single-step version without a folding frame.
文法句型
[adjective] steps
climb [up] a pair of steps
用法筆記
In British English 'steps' or 'a pair of steps' commonly means a stepladder. In American English 'stepladder' is more common than 'steps' for this meaning.
6. a fixed pattern of foot movements that forms part of a dance, taught to learners
舞步
舞蹈中的特定腳步動作
a fixed pattern of foot movements that forms part of a dance, taught to learners and practised until it can be performed smoothly.
The instructor showed the class the basic steps of the salsa.
老師向學員們展示了騷莎舞的基本舞步。
"steps of [dance name]" pattern
Lin spent every evening practising the waltz steps in her living room.
Lin 每天晚上都在客廳裡練習華爾滋的舞步。
The tango has a very different set of steps from the foxtrot.
探戈的舞步和狐步舞的舞步有很大的不同。
文法句型
[style] steps
learn the steps to [dance]
step pattern
用法筆記
Often in the plural ('the steps') when referring to a complete sequence of foot movements for a dance. Specific dances name their step patterns (e.g., 'cha-cha steps', 'hip-hop steps').
7. how far apart two neighbouring notes are in terms of pitch when you play them on
音級
音階中相鄰兩音的距離
how far apart two neighbouring notes are in terms of pitch when you play them one after another on a scale — for example, the change you hear moving from one white key on a piano to the next white key.
In western music the smallest distance between two notes is called a half step.
在西方音樂中，兩個音之間最小的距離叫做半音。
"half step" — semitone in American English
Moving from C to D is a whole step on the piano keyboard.
在鋼琴鍵盤上，從 C 到 D 是一個全音。
The melody rises step by step from a low note to a high note.
這段旋律從低音到高音，以音級逐步上升。
文法句型
[adjective] step
a [number]-step interval
stepwise motion
用法筆記
In American English 'whole step' and 'half step' are the standard terms; in British English 'tone' and 'semitone' are more common. This sense is domain-specific to music theory.
8. a level, grade, or position within a system where things are arranged from lowes
等級；層級
制度或階層中的位置
a level, grade, or position within a system where things are arranged from lowest to highest — for example, in a job hierarchy, a salary scale, or a social ranking.
Wei moved up one step on the pay scale after her performance review.
Wei 在績效考核後，薪資等級往上調了一級。
"step on the [scale]" — position in a ranking system
A senior lecturer is one step above an assistant professor in this department.
在這個系裡，資深講師的職級比助理教授高一級。
Each step on the career ladder requires more experience and responsibility.
職涯階梯上的每一級都需要更多的經驗和責任。
The Watanabe family moved up a few social steps after opening their own shop.
渡邊家開了自家商店後，社會地位提升了幾級。
文法句型
a step above/below [noun]
move up/down a step
[adjective] step on the [scale/ladder]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 focuses on actions in a sequence, whereas sense 8 focuses on position in a hierarchy or scale. Often appears in metaphorical phrases like 'career ladder' or 'social ladder'.
常見錯誤
steps — 動詞
1. to lift one foot and put it down in a different place in order to move forward,
跨步；走
抬起腳移動到另一位置
to lift one foot and put it down in a different place in order to move forward, backward, or to the side.
The baby took a deep breath and stepped carefully toward her mother.
寶寶深吸一口氣，小心翼翼地跨步走向媽媽。
step + toward + noun phrase
Lars stepped onto the train just as the doors were closing.
Lars 在車門關上前踏上了火車。
step + onto + noun phrase
We stepped over the puddle and walked along the muddy path.
我們跨過水坑，沿著泥濘的小路走。
Amir stepped forward to shake the visitor's hand.
Amir 上前一步與訪客握手。
The dancers stepped in time to the lively music coming from the speakers.
舞者們隨著擴音器傳出的輕快音樂合拍踏步。
- stand still
not moving the feet at all
- stumble
to lose balance while stepping
文法句型
step + adverb/preposition
step + forward/back/aside/over/onto
用法筆記
Commonly used with a direction word or preposition such as 'forward', 'back', 'onto', 'over', or 'aside' to show where the foot lands.
常見錯誤
2. to move the feet in time to music, following the rhythm of a song or a dance bea
跳舞；踏節拍
配合音樂移動腳步
to move the feet in time to music, following the rhythm of a song or a dance beat — for example, swaying or tapping at a party, or rehearsing specific foot patterns in a dance class.
Kwame asked if she wanted to step to the rhythm of the jazz band.
Kwame 問她是否想跟著爵士樂隊的節奏跳舞。
step to + [rhythm/music]
The couple stepped together in perfect time, making the waltz look simple.
這對伴侶踏著完美的節拍共舞，讓華爾滋顯得輕而易舉。
The school children stepped and clapped across the gym floor during the show.
學校的孩子們在表演中踏著節拍、拍著手，走過體育館地板。
At the wedding, guests stepped along to the upbeat pop songs played by the DJ.
在婚禮上，賓客們隨著 DJ 播放的流行歌曲踏拍起舞。
文法句型
step + (to/along/across)
step + [dance name]
用法筆記
This sense focuses on the physical act of moving the feet in response to music — it is about rhythm and beat, not about executing a memorised sequence from start to finish. For performing a complete choreographed sequence, see sense 5 (FOLLOW PROCEDURE).
3. to push down firmly on something with the bottom of the foot.
踩
用腳向下壓
to push down firmly on something with the bottom of the foot.
Fatima stepped on the brake just in time to avoid hitting the dog.
Fatima 及時踩下煞車，避免撞到那隻狗。
step on the brake (vehicle context)
The gardener stepped firmly on the spade to push it into the dry soil.
園丁用力踩下鏟子，把它插進乾硬的土壤裡。
Jack accidentally stepped on his sister's glasses and broke them.
Jack 不小心踩到妹妹的眼鏡，把它踩壞了。
Step on the clutch gently when you want to change gears in the car.
換擋時要輕輕踩下離合器。
- lift
to raise the foot off the surface
文法句型
step on + noun phrase
用法筆記
Always followed by 'on' plus an object. Unlike sense 1, this sense focuses on applying pressure rather than changing position.
常見錯誤
4. to leave a place, especially quickly, suddenly, or with determination — often us
離開；走開
快速或有目的地離開某處
to leave a place, especially quickly, suddenly, or with determination — often used to describe someone moving away from a situation or conversation.
After the argument, Diego stepped away from the table and left without a word.
爭吵過後，Diego 從桌邊走開，一句話也沒說就離開了。
step away from + [place/group] — purposeful departure
When the fire alarm rang, the office workers stepped quickly toward the emergency exit.
火災警報響起時，辦公室員工迅速走向緊急出口。
The guest stepped outside to take a phone call during the dinner party.
那位客人在晚宴期間走到外面接電話。
Nadia stepped back from the edge of the cliff, her heart racing.
Nadia 從懸崖邊往後退了一步，心跳加速。
文法句型
step + adverb (away/back/outside)
step + direction word
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (MOVE ON FOOT): sense 1 describes any single foot movement from one spot to another, without implying a change of location or leaving. Sense 4 specifically describes departing from a place, often with speed or purpose. While sense 1 can take many prepositions ('onto', 'over', 'into'), sense 4 is most common with 'away', 'back', 'outside', and 'toward [exit]'.
5. to go through a fixed series of actions or instructions in a precise, planned or
執行；操演
按固定順序完成一組動作
to go through a fixed series of actions or instructions in a precise, planned order — for example, following a safety drill, a ceremonial ritual, or a military marching sequence from start to finish.
Before the parade, the soldiers stepped the entire drill in perfect formation.
遊行開始前，士兵們以完美的隊形完成了整套操練。
step + drill — military marching sequence
The students stepped the graduation ceremony sequence without a single mistake.
學生們毫無差錯地完成了畢業典禮的流程動作。
With everyone watching, Ana stepped through the fire safety protocol in under two minutes.
在眾目睽睽之下，Ana 在兩分鐘內演練了整套消防安全程序。
The new recruits stepped the evacuation procedure repeatedly until it became automatic.
新兵反覆演練撤離程序，直到熟練到成為直覺反應。
- perform
broader; can apply to any kind of presentation, not just planned sequences
- execute
more formal; suggests precision and following instructions
- go through
less formal; to do a sequence from start to end
文法句型
step + noun phrase (a drill/a procedure/a ceremony)
用法筆記
Unlike sense 2 (DANCE) which focuses on moving the feet in response to a musical beat, this sense is about executing a memorised sequence of actions from start to finish. The object is typically a procedure, drill, ceremony, or routine — not just music. This sense cannot take a dance name as its object (you would not 'step the waltz' in this sense; that belongs to sense 2).
6. to arrange or shape something so that it has a series of flat surfaces at differ
分層排列
像階梯一樣安排高低
to arrange or shape something so that it has a series of flat surfaces at different heights, like a staircase.
The gardener stepped the flower beds down the slope to prevent soil erosion.
園丁沿著斜坡分層整理花圃，以防止土壤流失。
The architect stepped the roof to follow the natural shape of the hill.
建築師將屋頂設計成階梯狀，以配合山丘的自然地形。
step + [architectural feature]
The hairdresser stepped the layers of the haircut for a softer, more natural look.
美髮師將髮型分層修剪，營造更柔和自然的效果。
The garden was stepped into three wide terraces overlooking the valley below.
這座花園被修建成三個寬闊的平臺，俯瞰下方的山谷。
- flatten
to make level or even
文法句型
step + noun phrase + adverb/preposition
be + stepped
用法筆記
Often used in the passive voice ('the land is stepped') or to describe a deliberate design choice in construction, gardening, or hairdressing.