Meaning
Very close to a specific location.
Cultural Background
Sports newspapers like 'La Gazzetta dello Sport' use this phrase constantly for transfer rumors. If a player is 'a un passo' from a team, it means the contract is 99% ready. In Italian cities, 'a due passi' is a common marketing term for real estate, emphasizing that everything is reachable by foot, which is highly valued. Many Italian pop songs use this phrase to describe romantic tension—being physically close but emotionally hesitant. The 'quattro passi' (four steps) is a common way to invite someone for a short, casual walk to chat.
Use it for excitement
When you're almost done with a difficult task, say 'Siamo a un passo!' to motivate yourself and others.
Watch the Preposition
Never say 'a un passo di'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
Very close to a specific location.
Use it for excitement
When you're almost done with a difficult task, say 'Siamo a un passo!' to motivate yourself and others.
Watch the Preposition
Never say 'a un passo di'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
The 'Due Passi' Nuance
If you want to sound like a local when giving directions, use 'a due passi' for physical distance.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct articulated preposition (dal, dalla, dall').
Siamo a un passo ___ (la) fine del film.
'Fine' is feminine, so 'da + la' becomes 'dalla'.
Which sentence uses the phrase metaphorically?
Choose the correct option:
Bankruptcy is a metaphorical 'destination', not a physical location.
Match the Italian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are standard translations for these common collocations.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: 'Sei arrivato?' B: 'Sì, sono a un passo ___ casa tua!'
The expression always uses 'da'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSiamo a un passo ___ (la) fine del film.
'Fine' is feminine, so 'da + la' becomes 'dalla'.
Choose the correct option:
Bankruptcy is a metaphorical 'destination', not a physical location.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are standard translations for these common collocations.
A: 'Sei arrivato?' B: 'Sì, sono a un passo ___ casa tua!'
The expression always uses 'da'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but it's less common than using it for space or goals. For time, 'dietro l'angolo' is more frequent.
Both are correct, but 'a un passo' is much more common in modern Italian. 'Ad' is usually reserved for words starting with 'a'.
'A un passo' is often metaphorical (almost there), while 'a due passi' is almost always physical (very close by).
Yes, 'Sono a un passo da te' means 'I am one step away from you'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Related Phrases
a due passi da
similarVery close (usually physical)
sul punto di
synonymOn the verge of
vicino a
similarNear to
dietro l'angolo
similarAround the corner
