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跬 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
跬kuǐshort step, half-paceg, 13 strokes, radical 足, rank #90983, Very Hard
跬kuǐbriefunknown, 13 strokes, radical 足, rank #90983, Very Hard
kuǐ(kui3)kui T3
  1. 1short step, half-pace
  2. 2brief
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March 24, 2026

跬kuǐ(kui3)

The character 跬 (kuǐ) refers to a short step or half-pace, often used metaphorically to symbolize small progress or brief intervals. It is commonly found in expressions that emphasize the importance of taking small yet meaningful actions toward a goal.

Strokes13Radical足Frequency#90983DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese philosophy, particularly in Daoism, the concept of small, deliberate steps toward a larger goal is often emphasized, reflecting a deep appreciation for patience and gradual growth.

Memory tip

Imagine a tiny creature taking a small step forward, like a mouse (the radical '走' represents movement) making its way across a vast field. This small step is a 'kuǐ', reminding you that every little progress counts in your journey.

Meanings of 跬

kuǐ(kui3)
1short step, half-pace
2brief
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 跬

跬Simplified
13Strokes
足Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

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Podcast: 跬

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AI Study Notes for 跬

Usage Notes

This word is somewhat formal and may not be frequently used in everyday conversation. It often appears in literary contexts or idiomatic expressions, such as '千里之行,始于足下' (A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step), where 'step' can refer to '跬'. Be careful with the tone; 'kuǐ' has a third tone that can be easily mixed up with first or fourth tones.

HSK Study Tips

While 跬 is not included in the HSK rankings, it can be useful for learners at HSK 4 and above who are exploring classical texts or idiomatic phrases. Students should focus on its usage in context and connections to other words related to movement or progress.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 跬 with other characters that relate to steps or movement, such as 步 (bù). For example, saying '我每一个步都很重要' (Every step I take is important) instead of '我每一个跬步都很重要' can be incorrect when trying to emphasize the importance of small steps.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 跬

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Etymology of 跬

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

foot

Semantic (meaning)足
+
Phonetic (sound)圭
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

跬 = 足 + 圭. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 跬

IDS Structure⿰足圭
跬Full character
=
足ju4
left
圭gui1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 跬?

How to say short step, half-pace in Chinese

“short step, half-pace” in Chinese is跬kuǐ

The character 跬 (kuǐ) refers to a short step or half-pace, often used metaphorically to symbolize small progress or brief intervals. It is commonly found in expressions that emphasize the importance of taking small yet meaningful actions toward a goal.

When to use 跬

This word is somewhat formal and may not be frequently used in everyday conversation. It often appears in literary contexts or idiomatic expressions, such as '千里之行,始于足下' (A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step), where 'step' can refer to '跬'. Be careful with the tone; 'kuǐ' has a third tone that can be easily mixed up with first or fourth tones.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 跬 with other characters that relate to steps or movement, such as 步 (bù). For example, saying '我每一个步都很重要' (Every step I take is important) instead of '我每一个跬步都很重要' can be incorrect when trying to emphasize the importance of small steps.

Write 跬

跬

Practice writing 跬 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 跬

Words containing this character1
跬kuǐbrief

Frequently Asked Questions about 跬

You might see it in phrases like '跬步千里' (a short step can lead to a long journey), which emphasizes the value of small beginnings.

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