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

Easily confused

不乏bù fásound-aliketo have no shortage of; there is no lack of

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.