stapje

Stapje is a Dutch noun meaning a small step. It is the diminutive form of stap (step) and can refer to a physical movement of the foot, such as when walking, climbing, or dancing. The word is also widely used metaphorically to describe a small increment or progression in a process, plan, or goal.

Etymology and form: Stapje is formed by adding the diminutive suffix -je to stap. In Dutch, diminutives are common for indicating small size or affection, and stapje is used with the neuter definite form het stapje.

Usage: The term appears in everyday language and specialized contexts alike. Common expressions include een stapje vooruit (a small step forward) and een stapje terug (a step back). In health, sport, education, and project planning, stapje is used to describe incremental progress or minor movements, for example in gait analysis or step-by-step instructions.

Pronunciation: Stapje is typically pronounced with an unstressed final -je, approximately as [stɑp.jə].

See also: stap, progress in Dutch, step-by-step phrases.