蹑 (niè) - To tread lightly & to walk on tiptoe

蹑Tone 4

niè ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

念柠

蹑 · niè

To tread lightly;

to walk on tiptoe;

to follow stealthily;

to step into (shoes).

To tread lightlyto walk on tiptoeto follow stealthily

Usage highlights

TiptoeFollow stealthilyStep into shoesTread lightlySneak upAscend quietly

Synonyms

  • 踏— to step on, to tread
  • 踩— to step on, to trample
  • 跟— to follow

Antonyms

  • 奔— to run, to rush
  • 跳— to jump, to leap
  • 冲— to charge, to dash

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He tiptoed quietly out of the room (蹑手蹑脚地走出房间).
  • She stepped into her shoes quickly (蹑入鞋子).
  • The detective followed the suspect stealthily (蹑踪嫌疑人).

Collocations

  • Tiptoe(蹑足)
  • Follow stealthily(蹑踪)
  • Step into shoes(蹑履)
  • Tread lightly(蹑步)
  • Sneak up(蹑手蹑脚)
  • Ascend quietly(蹑级)

Idioms

  • Walking on tiptoe, moving hands gently(蹑手蹑脚)
  • Treading on frost, knowing hard ice approaches(蹑霜知冰)
  • Following in others' footsteps(蹑影追风)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often used in classical literature to describe stealthy movement or careful following.
  • Associated with martial arts and detective stories where silent movement is valued.
  • The character appears in historical texts describing court officials moving quietly in palaces.

FAQ