步伐 (bù fá) — pace, step (both literal and figurative)
Definition
步伐 stresses the measured, observable rhythm or speed of movement (often figurative, e.g. 时代的步伐). Compared to 步 it highlights pace as a whole; 脚步 leans on the literal sound/stride.
noun
pacestep (both literal and figurative)
Measure word · 种
Examples
- 步伐。Tā mài zhe jiān dìng de bù fá zǒu xiàng jiǎng tái.He walked toward the podium with firm steps.
- 步伐。Gōng sī de fā zhǎn bù fá míng xiǎn jiā kuài le.The company's pace of development has clearly accelerated.
- 步伐。Wǒ men yào gēn shàng shí dài de bù fá.We need to keep up with the pace of the times.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.