步步高 (bù bù gāo) — multi-tiered shelf (with ascending levels); ladder (with rungs or steps)

Definition

Literally 'step by step higher,' 步步高 names a multi-tiered shelf whose levels rise like ladder rungs. The two existing glosses describe the same object from different angles — a ladder-like frame used as a stepped display shelf.

noun
multi-tiered shelf (with ascending levels)ladder (with rungs or steps)
Measure word · 个

Examples

  • 步步高。
    Tā bǎ shū fàng zài bù bù gāo shàng.
    He put the books on the multi-tiered shelf.
  • 步步高，。
    Zhè ge bù bù gāo yǒu sān céng, kě yǐ fàng hěn duō dōng xī.
    This multi-tiered shelf has three levels and can hold a lot of things.
  • 步步高。
    Tā pá shàng bù bù gāo qù ná gāo chù de gōng jù.
    He climbed the ladder to get the tools from the high place.

Origin

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

步 uses two 止 (foot) forms, one reversed, to show one foot stepping in front of the other.

Open 步 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

步 uses two 止 (foot) forms, one reversed, to show one foot stepping in front of the other.

Open 步 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

高 was drawn as a tall building.

Open 高 →

Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.