B1 Collocation Neutral 2 min de lectura

कदम आगे बढ़ाना

to take step forward

Literalmente: कदम (step) + आगे (forward) + बढ़ाना (to move/increase)

Use this phrase to describe taking a brave or positive first action toward a goal.

En 15 segundos

  • To take initiative or start a new journey.
  • Used for progress, personal growth, and new beginnings.
  • Implies a conscious, positive move toward a goal.

Significado

This phrase means taking the first real action toward a goal or making progress in a situation. It is about moving from the planning stage to actually doing something brave or new.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Encouraging a friend to start a business

अब समय आ गया है कि तुम अपना व्यापार शुरू करने के लिए कदम आगे बढ़ाओ।

Now the time has come for you to take a step forward to start your business.

🤝
2

Discussing a peace treaty between countries

दोनों देशों ने शांति की ओर एक और कदम आगे बढ़ाया है।

Both countries have taken another step forward toward peace.

👔
3

Texting a friend about a new gym routine

मैंने अपनी सेहत के लिए आखिरकार एक कदम आगे बढ़ाया है।

I have finally taken a step forward for my health.

😊
🌍

Contexto cultural

In India, taking the first step is often linked to the concept of 'Shubh Shuruaat' (auspicious beginning). It emphasizes the transition from thought to action, which is highly valued in a society that respects initiative and progress. It became a staple in motivational Hindi literature and cinema during the nation-building years.

💡

The 'Ne' Rule

When using this in the past tense (e.g., 'I took a step'), remember to use 'मैंने' (Maine) because 'बढ़ाना' is a transitive verb here.

⚠️

Don't be too literal

If you use this while actually walking down the street, people will think you're reciting a poem. Keep it for metaphorical progress!

En 15 segundos

  • To take initiative or start a new journey.
  • Used for progress, personal growth, and new beginnings.
  • Implies a conscious, positive move toward a goal.

What It Means

Think of this as the moment you stop standing still. It is more than just walking. It is about showing initiative. When you कदम आगे बढ़ाना, you are showing courage. You are deciding that 'now' is the time to act. It is about progress, growth, and starting journeys.

How To Use It

You use this phrase like a regular verb. In the past tense, it often takes ने. For example, 'उसने कदम आगे बढ़ाया' (He took a step forward). You can use it for big life changes. You can also use it for small personal wins. It fits perfectly when talking about careers or relationships. Just remember, it implies a positive direction.

When To Use It

Use it when someone starts a new business. Use it when a friend finally asks their crush out. It is great for motivational speeches. Use it when discussing social progress or technology. If you are texting a friend about a new hobby, this works. It sounds encouraging and proactive. It is the 'just do it' of Hindi expressions.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this for literal walking. If you are just walking to the kitchen, don't use it. That would sound way too dramatic! Avoid it in very negative contexts. You wouldn't say it for someone 'stepping forward' into a trap. It carries an aura of hope and improvement. Also, don't use it for accidental movements. It must be a conscious choice.

Cultural Background

In Indian culture, the 'first step' is very symbolic. We have rituals for a child's first steps. We have ceremonies for entering a new home. Taking a step forward is seen as an auspicious act. It reflects the value of 'Karma' or action. It suggests that the universe rewards those who move. It is a very respected sentiment in Bollywood movies too!

Common Variations

You might hear कदम उठाना (to take a step/action). That one is a bit more neutral. कदम आगे बढ़ाना is more about 'advancing'. Another one is पहल करना (to take the lead). But our phrase is the most visual. It paints a picture of a person physically moving toward a bright future.

Notas de uso

The phrase is highly versatile and fits into almost any register from informal to formal. The key is the metaphorical 'forward' motion; ensure the context involves progress or a new beginning.

💡

The 'Ne' Rule

When using this in the past tense (e.g., 'I took a step'), remember to use 'मैंने' (Maine) because 'बढ़ाना' is a transitive verb here.

⚠️

Don't be too literal

If you use this while actually walking down the street, people will think you're reciting a poem. Keep it for metaphorical progress!

💬

The Bollywood Connection

This phrase is a favorite in Bollywood songs about courage. If you hear 'kadam' and 'aage' in a song, it's almost always about chasing dreams.

Ejemplos

6
#1 Encouraging a friend to start a business
🤝

अब समय आ गया है कि तुम अपना व्यापार शुरू करने के लिए कदम आगे बढ़ाओ।

Now the time has come for you to take a step forward to start your business.

Here it acts as a motivational push.

#2 Discussing a peace treaty between countries
👔

दोनों देशों ने शांति की ओर एक और कदम आगे बढ़ाया है।

Both countries have taken another step forward toward peace.

Used here in a serious, geopolitical context.

#3 Texting a friend about a new gym routine
😊

मैंने अपनी सेहत के लिए आखिरकार एक कदम आगे बढ़ाया है।

I have finally taken a step forward for my health.

Casual use for personal self-improvement.

#4 A humorous take on a messy room
😄

सफाई की दिशा में मैंने एक मोज़ा उठाकर कदम आगे बढ़ाया है!

I've taken a step forward toward cleaning by picking up one sock!

Using the 'big' phrase for a tiny, funny action.

#5 Reconciling after a long argument
💭

रिश्ते को सुधारने के लिए किसी को तो कदम आगे बढ़ाना ही था।

Someone had to take a step forward to fix the relationship.

Emotional context about breaking the ice.

#6 Professional setting regarding a project
💼

हमें इस प्रोजेक्ट को पूरा करने के लिए तेज़ी से कदम आगे बढ़ाने होंगे।

We will have to take steps forward quickly to complete this project.

Focuses on professional momentum.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence.

सफलता पाने के लिए तुम्हें आज ही ___ आगे बढ़ाना होगा।

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: कदम

The phrase is 'कदम आगे बढ़ाना'. 'हाथ' means hand and 'सिर' means head, which don't fit here.

Complete the sentence to mean 'He took a step forward'.

उसने अपनी मंज़िल की तरफ़ कदम आगे ___।

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: बढ़ाया

'बढ़ाया' means moved forward/increased. 'गिराया' means dropped and 'हटाया' means removed.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality and Context Spectrum

Informal

Talking to friends about hobbies or small habits.

I took a step toward learning guitar!

Neutral

General conversations about life and goals.

She is taking a step forward in her career.

Formal

News reports, political speeches, or corporate strategy.

The company took a step forward in innovation.

Where to use 'कदम आगे बढ़ाना'

कदम आगे बढ़ाना
💼

Career Growth

Applying for a promotion.

🤝

Relationships

Apologizing after a fight.

🏃

Personal Goals

Starting a new fitness journey.

🌍

Social Change

Joining a protest or charity.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Not at all! You can use it for small things like मैंने सुबह जल्दी उठने की दिशा में कदम आगे बढ़ाया है (I took a step toward waking up early).

कदम उठाना (Kadam uthana) is more about taking an action or a measure, often to solve a problem. कदम आगे बढ़ाना specifically implies progress and moving forward.

It is rarely used negatively. You wouldn't say someone took a step forward into a crime. It almost always implies a positive or brave advancement.

Yes, it sounds very professional. You could say, हमें नई तकनीक की ओर कदम आगे बढ़ाना चाहिए (We should take a step forward toward new technology).

You would say कदम आगे मत बढ़ाओ. But be careful, this sounds like you are stopping someone from making progress!

Yes, you can say कदम आगे बढ़ाना (to take steps forward). The verb बढ़ाना changes based on the subject and tense, not the word कदम usually.

Yes, especially when encouraging friends. A simple कदम आगे बढ़ाते रहो! (Keep moving forward!) is a great supportive text.

Only metaphorically. If you are literally doing lunges, just use the word for exercise. Use this for the *decision* to start exercising.

The opposite would be पीछे हटना (Peeche hatna), which means to step back or retreat.

No, it is a standard idiom/collocation. It is safe to use with your boss, your grandmother, or your friends.

Frases relacionadas

कदम उठाना

To take a step or take action.

पहल करना

To take the initiative.

शुरुआत करना

To make a beginning.

हाथ बढ़ाना

To extend a hand (usually for help).

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