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"Pasos" is a form of "pasos", a plural noun which is often translated as "traveling". "Tomar medidas" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to take action". Learn more about the difference between "pasos" and "tomar medidas" below.
los pasos(
pah
-
sohs
)A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
1. (sports)
a. traveling (basketball) (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
El árbitro pitó pasos.The referee blew the whistle and called traveling.
b. travelling (basketball) (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
A causa de los pasos del pivote, la posesión pasó al otro equipo.Because of the center's travelling, possession was given to the other team.
el paso
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
b. path
Los soldados le bloquearon el paso cuando intentó entrar.The soldiers blocked his path when he tried to enter.
4. (distance)
5. (speed)
6. (geography)
a. pass
El grupo se encontró con una manada de lobos en el paso de montaña.The group encountered a pack of wolves on the mountain pass.
7. (stage)
a. step
El siguiente es un paso muy importante del proceso.The next step of the process is a really important one.
a. step
El estudio fue un gran paso para la ciencia aeronáutica.The study was a big step for aeronautical science.
9. (religious)
a. float (in a parade)
Fuimos a ver los pasos y las bandas de cornetas y tambores en Madrid durante la Semana Santa.We went to see the floats and the cornet and drum bands in Madrid during Holy Week.
10. (mechanics)
a. pitch (thread width)
El paso de este tornillo mide un milímetro.The pitch of this screw measures one millimeter.
b. unit (measuring device)
La compañía de luz te cobra por cada paso medido por el contador.The electric company charges you for every unit measured on the meter.
tomar medidas(
toh
-
mahr
meh
-
dee
-
dahs
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (to act)
a. to take action
Si no ha liquidado su deuda para el fin de mes, tendremos que tomar medidas.If you haven't paid off your debt by the end of the month, we'll have to take action.
b. to take measures
El gobierno finalmente decidió tomar medidas para proteger el medio ambiente.The government has finally decided to take measures to protect the environment.
c. to take steps
Muchas mujeres en diferentes empresas están tomando medidas para lograr la igualdad de sueldo.Women in different companies are taking steps to achieve equal pay.
2. (to measure)
a. to take measurements
El sastre le va a tomar medidas a William para hacerle el frac para su boda.The tailor is going to take William's measurements to make his tails for the wedding.
