Spanish Conversation · Level 140
44 words
Spanish word
peldaño
Pronunciation
IPA/pelˈdaɲo/
Meaning
- masculine nounstep
Example
Sube al siguiente peldaño.
Step up to the next step.
More examples
Subí un peldaño y me tropecé.
I went up a step and tripped.
Core concept
One discrete step or rank within a progression, imagined as one step on a staircase.
Common phrases
subir un peldaño
go up a step
bajar un peldaño
go down a step
Similar words
escalón: A single stair tread intended for placing the foot when climbing or descending.
escalera: A structure of linked steps forming a staircase used to move between levels.
Definition in Spanish
Pieza horizontal de una escalera donde se apoya el pie; por extensión, cada grado u etapa de un proceso.
Word origin
It derives from medieval Spanish peldano, used in building contexts for the tread, and later extended metaphorically to refer to a discrete rank or stage.
Usage tips
- When indicating advancement, count units with 'peldaño' as in 'subir dos peldaños' to mean two ranks up, while 'dar dos pasos' usually implies literal walking or small actions.