Meanings of 跬
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 跬
Podcast: 跬
Podcast: 跬
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 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.
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.
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.
Pronunciation of 跬
Drill the tone of 跬 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 跬
foot
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 跬
- 1The meaning half足 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half圭 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayfoot
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 跬? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 跬?
Decomposition of 跬
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 跬?
How to say short step, half-pace in Chinese
“short step, half-pace” in Chinese is跬
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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 跬 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 跬
Compound Meaning
What does 跬 mean?
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.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 跬?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.