hakbang

Hakbang is a Filipino noun that primarily means step, stride, or movement. In everyday use, it can refer to a physical step taken while walking, running, or dancing, as well as to a single move within a sequence of movements in choreography or performance. The term is also widely used in non-physical senses to describe a measure, action, or initiative aimed at achieving a goal, such as policy reforms, program implementations, or strategic plans.

In dance and performance contexts, hakbang denotes a defined step or pattern that contributes to a routine. In marching or military-inspired activities, it can reflect cadence and coordinated footwork. Beyond literal movement, hakbang is commonly employed metaphorically to describe planned actions or stages toward improvement or change. Phrases such as hakbang para sa pagbabago (steps toward change) or mga hakbang para sa seguridad (measures for security) illustrate its figurative use.

The reduplicated form hakbang-hakbang conveys gradual progression, often translated as “step by step” or “inch by inch.” Its versatility makes it a frequent term in journalism, education, governance, business, and civic discourse, where sequences of deliberate steps are discussed as part of a strategy or reform agenda.

Relation to other languages varies; in Malay and Indonesian, related concepts are described with words like langkah (step), reflecting cross-linguistic ideas about movement and procedure. Hakbang remains a core, neutral term in Filipino for describing both physical steps and procedural actions.