How common is 踄 in modern Chinese?

This character is quite rare in modern usage and appears mainly in classical texts or specialized literary contexts.

What's the difference between 踄 and 步?

步 is the common character for 'step' or 'walk', while 踄 is a more specialized variant that emphasizes the physical act of stepping or treading, often with the foot radical making the walking action more explicit.

Is 踄 suitable for modern names?

Generally not recommended for modern names due to its rarity and potential for misreading. Better suited for literary or classical contexts.

踄Tone 4

bù ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

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踄 · bù

To walk, to step, to tread;

to follow in someone's footsteps.

To walk, to step, to treadto follow in someone's footsteps.

Usage highlights

To walk carefullyTo follow in footstepsMountain walkingTo tread a pathTo step forwardTo walk with difficulty

Synonyms

步— to step, to walk
行— to walk, to go
走— to walk, to go

Antonyms

停— to stop
立— to stand

Usage & contexts

Examples

He walked carefully along the path (踄行).
She followed in her teacher's footsteps (踄师后尘).
The mountain trail is difficult to tread (山路难踄).

Collocations

To walk carefully(踄行)
To follow in footsteps(踄迹)
Mountain walking(踄山)
To tread a path(踄途)
To step forward(踄进)
To walk with difficulty(艰踄)

Idioms

Follow in someone's footsteps(步人后踄)
Tread carefully in dangerous territory(临渊踄冰)
Walk through mountains and rivers(跋山踄水)

Cultural background

FAQ

This character appears in classical Chinese texts but is rarely used in modern vernacular.
It carries connotations of careful, deliberate movement and following established paths.
Often used in literary contexts to describe difficult or meaningful journeys.

踄 (bù) - To walk, to step, to tread & to follow in someone's footsteps.