踏 (tà) - To step on & to tread

踏Tone 4

tà ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

树檀

踏 · tà

To step on;

to tread;

to stamp;

to press down with the foot;

also used metaphorically for investigating or experiencing something firsthand.

To step onto treadto stamp

Usage highlights

Step onTread onStomp feetInvestigate on siteStep by stepTread water

Synonyms

  • 踩— to step on, to trample
  • 践— to tread, to trample

Antonyms

  • 跳— to jump (opposite of stepping down)
  • 飞— to fly (opposite of ground contact)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He stepped on the brake pedal (踏刹车).
  • We need to investigate the situation on the ground (踏勘现场).
  • She treads carefully in her career (踏踏实实工作).
  • The dancers stepped to the rhythm (踏着节奏跳舞).

Collocations

  • Step on(踏上)
  • Tread on(踏在)
  • Stomp feet(踏脚)
  • Investigate on site(踏勘)
  • Step by step(踏踏实实)
  • Tread water(踏水)

Idioms

  • Step by step, steadily and surely(脚踏实地)
  • Tread on thin ice(如履薄冰)
  • Follow in someone's footsteps(步人后尘)
  • Tread the green grass(踏青)
  • Step on the scene(踏场)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 踏青 (tà qīng) is a traditional spring outing activity where people walk on the fresh green grass, symbolizing welcoming spring.
  • In Chinese culture, '脚踏实地' (jiǎo tà shí dì) is highly valued, meaning being down-to-earth and practical.
  • The character appears in many movement-related contexts, from dance to martial arts steps.

FAQ