Meanings of 止步
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Podcast: 止步
Podcast: 止步
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AI study notes for 止步
停 (tíng) — use 止步 when emphasizing a command to stop in a specific context, while 停 is more general for stopping any action.
止步 is more common in formal contexts or written language. A common mistake is to confuse it with other stopping phrases like 停止 (tíng zhǐ), which is more general. Be careful with the tones; incorrect pronunciation can change the meaning drastically.
Although 止步 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it relates to the concept of stopping or halting, which is crucial for HSK levels. Students should focus on similar verbs and phrases that express cessation or pause.
A frequent error is using 止步 in informal speech, where 停 (tíng) might be more appropriate. For example, saying '我止步了' (wǒ zhǐ bù le) instead of '我停下来了' (wǒ tíng xià lái le) sounds overly formal.
Pronunciation of 止步
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Learning Lab
Knowing 止步 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Component characters
How to say to halt in Chinese
“to halt” in Chinese is止步
止步 (zhǐ bù) means 'to halt' or 'to stop'. It is often used in contexts where one is instructed to cease movement or progress, such as in a command or cautionary sign. The phrase can convey a sense of finality or the need to pause in a certain situation.
When to use 止步
止步 is more common in formal contexts or written language. A common mistake is to confuse it with other stopping phrases like 停止 (tíng zhǐ), which is more general. Be careful with the tones; incorrect pronunciation can change the meaning drastically.
止步 or something close to it
停 (tíng) — use 止步 when emphasizing a command to stop in a specific context, while 停 is more general for stopping any action.
What learners get wrong
A frequent error is using 止步 in informal speech, where 停 (tíng) might be more appropriate. For example, saying '我止步了' (wǒ zhǐ bù le) instead of '我停下来了' (wǒ tíng xià lái le) sounds overly formal.
Write 止步
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Practice writing 止步 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Common confusions with 止步
Similar pronunciation and shape but different meanings.
Same character as the first part of 止步 but has standalone meaning.
Which one
Which one means “to halt”?
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Frequently asked questions about 止步
Use 止步 in more formal or literary contexts, while 停止 is suitable for everyday language.
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