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步步 (bù bù) — step by step, gradually; at every step, at every turn

Definition

步步 is an adverb meaning 'step by step' or 'at every step' — used for emphasizing that every single step in a process matters (步步提高, 步步谨慎). Pairs with verbs of movement or careful action; almost always collocates in set phrases.

adverb
step by stepgraduallyat every stepat every turn

Examples

  • 步步。
    Wǒ men yào bù bù tí gāo chǎn pǐn zhì liàng.
    We need to improve product quality step by step.
  • 步步，。
    Tā bù bù qián jìn, fēi cháng xiǎo xīn.
    He advances step by step, very carefully.
  • ，步步。
    Zài zhè ge xiàng mù shàng, wǒ men yào bù bù jǐn shèn.
    On this project, we must be cautious at every step.

Origin

Reduplicated word
构词法gòucífǎ
重叠chóngdiéReduplication

A syllable said twice — for affection, for softness, or simply because that is how the word is said.

步bùstep
步bùstep

“步” is a step, and repeating it gives the sense of step by step or at every step.

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 →
Appears in
Change & Process

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