步 (bù) - step & pace

步Tone 4

bù ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 止

不偲

步 · bù

step;

pace;

walk;

stage;

condition;

situation;

measure word for steps

steppacewalk

Usage highlights

walkstep by steppacefootstepprogressretreat

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He walks slowly (他慢慢地步行).
  • This is the first step (这是第一步).
  • Keep up with the pace (跟上步伐).
  • The situation is changing (形势在逐步变化).

Collocations

  • walk(步行)
  • step by step(逐步)
  • pace(步伐)
  • footstep(脚步)
  • progress(进步)
  • retreat(退步)

Idioms

  • Step by step(步步为营)
  • Advance step by step(循序渐进)
  • Follow in someone's footsteps(步人后尘)
  • Every step is difficult(步履维艰)
  • Keep pace with the times(与时俱进)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted two feet walking, representing the concept of stepping or pacing.
  • In traditional measurement, '步' was a unit of length equal to two steps or about 5 Chinese feet.
  • Used metaphorically in many idioms to describe progress, strategy, or following traditions.

FAQ