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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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.
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.
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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Pictograph of one foot in front of another, depicting footsteps.
1The giveawayModern form of 歨; putting one foot 止 in front of the other
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 步? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 步?
Decomposition of 步
IDS Structure⿱止？
步Full Character
=
止zhi3
top
Exercise 1 of 1
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 步?
How to say a step in Chinese
“a step” in Chinese is步bù
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.
When to use 步
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.
步 or something close to it
步 (bù) vs 级 (jí) — use 步 for physical steps or stages, while 级 refers specifically to levels or grades.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 步
步
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Practice writing 步 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
