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March 24, 2026
步bù(Bu4)
The character 步 (bù) primarily means 'step' or 'pace' and can refer to the act of walking or marching. It is commonly used to describe both physical movement and metaphorical progression, such as stages in a process or making progress in a task.
Strokes7Radical止Frequency#743DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of taking steps (步) is often associated with the philosophy of gradual progress and improvement, reflecting the value placed on perseverance in both personal growth and professional endeavors.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person taking a big step (步) forward. The character has a foot radical (足) at the bottom, emphasizing movement. Visualize a 'Boo' sound as you take this step, linking the pronunciation with the action of walking.
Meanings of 步
bù(Bu4)
1a step
2a pace
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 步
步Simplified
7Strokes
止Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#743Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3YCTL4HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 步
Podcast: 步
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AI Study Notes for 步
Quick Contrast
步 (bù) vs 级 (jí) — use 步 for physical steps or stages, while 级 refers specifically to levels or grades.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person taking a big step (步) forward. The character has a foot radical (足) at the bottom, emphasizing movement. Visualize a 'Boo' sound as you take this step, linking the pronunciation with the action of walking.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 步 with similar characters like 路 (lù), which means 'road.' It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in phrases like 步骤 (bùzhòu, steps/stages) and 进步 (jìnbù, progress). Pay attention to the tone to avoid confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
This character is relevant for HSK Level 3, where learners encounter words related to movement and progression. Students should practice using it in different contexts, such as physical movement and abstract concepts like progress or stages.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of taking steps (步) is often associated with the philosophy of gradual progress and improvement, reflecting the value placed on perseverance in both personal growth and professional endeavors.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 步 with 路 (lù), leading to mistakes like saying '我在步上走' instead of '我在路上走' (wǒ zài lù shàng zǒu, 'I am walking on the road'). Remember that 步 focuses on the act of stepping.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 步
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Grammar Patterns of 步
步 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The obverse of rising unemployment is continued gains in productivity.
6
这足以让他们的事业平步青云了。
zhè zú yǐ ràng tā mén de shì yè píng bù qīng yún le。
This was enough to launch their careers into the stratosphere.
7
这一切为乐购的进一步发展扫清了障碍。
zhè yī qiē wéi lè gòu de jìn yī bù fā zhǎn sǎo qīng le zhàng ài。
It all leaves the way clear for Tesco to power ahead.
8
这只是初步的想法，并非成形的提议。
zhè zhī shì chū bù de xiǎng fǎ， ， bìng fēi chéng xíng de tí。
It was an embryo idea rather than a fully worked proposal.
9
她不得不疲惫地步行穿过伦敦，这让她相当生气。
tā bù dé bù pí bèi dì bù háng chuān guò lún dūn， ， zhè ràng tā xiāng dāng shēng。
She was rather cross about having to trail across London.
10
这是一段政治稳定和进步的时期。
zhè shì yī duàn zhèng zhì wěn dìng hé jìn bù de shí qī。
It was a time of political stability and progress.
Cultural Notes for 步
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of taking steps (步) is often associated with the philosophy of gradual progress and improvement, reflecting the value placed on perseverance in both personal growth and professional endeavors.
Word Family of 步
Compounds10
频pin2frequency
涉she4to wade
陟zhi4to climb; to advance; progress
埗bu4jetty, quay; port city, trade hub
捗
渉
徏
荹
踄
頻pin2frequency; repeatedly, again and again
Words Containing This Character20
步bùa step
进一步jìnyíbùone step further進一步
进步jìnbùprogress進步
逐步zhúbùprogressively
初步chūbùinitial
散步sànbùto take a walk
地步dìbùstage
脚步jiǎobùfootstep腳步
步伐bùfápace
同步tóngbùsynchronous
舞步dance steps
跑步pǎobùto run
步行bùxíngto walk
步骤bùzhòustep步驟
起步qǐbùto set out
步枪rifle步槍
步入bùrùto step into
漫步to wander
让步ràngbùto concede讓步
下一步the next step
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 频 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 步
You can use 步 in contexts like '我每天走五千步' (Wǒ měitiān zǒu wǔqiān bù), meaning 'I walk five thousand steps every day.'
步 specifically refers to 'steps' or 'paces,' while 走 (zǒu) means 'to walk' or 'to go' generally.
Yes, 步 can describe progress in tasks or projects, like in the phrase '进行步骤' (jìnxíng bùzhòu), meaning 'to carry out steps.'
