A dos pasos? How far is near on this phrase?

Question

Can I use 'a dos pasos' for inside buildings or is it just an outside word?
Does it mean close as in right next door, 1 block away, 2 blocks away, just down the hall?

Can someone give me a couple of context sentences for this one?

Answer 1

There is not a rule for that, and it will depend on the context. If you are in your car asking for direction it may mean 2 miles, several blocks, etc.

If you are waking it may be 200 yards, 3-4 blocks, etc.

Basically it means close, but at a distance, and easy to get to.

Could I use it for inside, say, an apartment building or hospital or is it just for outside directions? - katydew, Sep 22, 2011

Does this sound right? "Vivo a dos pasos a usted? - katydew, Sep 22, 2011

I would not use it for inside a building. Unless it's a really big place, like a shopping mall or a big hospital. The second would be "vivo a dos pasos de su casa". It does sound odd referencing people instead of places.s - 00e657d4, Sep 23, 2011

Very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to help out. I heard it in 2 instances which led to my question... the first one was in walking directions in the city when I had no idea what pasos were in this context except maybe a word for cuadros or blo - katydew, Sep 24, 2011

Answer 2

Both. Anyway, I learned that on a website.

I've made a couple corrections to your typos, Joseph. Hope you don't mind! :-) - territurtle, Sep 22, 2011