躡 (niè) - to tread lightly & to walk on tiptoe

躡Tone 4

niè ｜ 25 strokes ｜ radical:

念柠

躡 · niè

to tread lightly;

to walk on tiptoe;

to step;

to follow stealthily.

to tread lightlyto walk on tiptoeto step

Usage highlights

TiptoeFollow stealthilyAscend stepsLight footstepsTread carefullyTrack and pursue

Synonyms

  • 踏— to step on, to tread
  • 跟— to follow
  • 追踪— to track, to trace

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She tiptoed out of the room (躡手躡脚地走出房间).
  • The detective followed the suspect (侦探躡踪嫌疑人).
  • He ascended the steps cautiously (他躡级而上).

Collocations

  • Tiptoe(躡足)
  • Follow stealthily(躡踪)
  • Ascend steps(躡级)
  • Light footsteps(躡步)
  • Tread carefully(躡手躡脚)
  • Track and pursue(躡追)

Idioms

  • Walking on tiptoe, moving quietly(躡手躡脚)
  • Treading in someone's footsteps(躡其踪)
  • Tracking down and capturing(躡迹追捕)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often used in literary contexts to describe stealthy movement or careful pursuit.
  • Associated with martial arts and detective work in classical literature.
  • The character's complexity reflects its specialized usage in formal writing.

FAQ