方步 (fāng bù) — measured, deliberate steps (as in traditional Chinese opera or a steady gait)

Definition

方步 (fāng bù) refers to the slow, measured, square-cornered walking style used in traditional Chinese opera and by dignified figures — a deliberate, stylized gait rather than ordinary walking.

noun
measureddeliberate steps (as in traditional Chinese opera or a steady gait)

Examples

  • 方步，。
    Tā zài wǔ tái shàng zǒu zhe fāng bù, dòng zuò hěn biāo zhǔn.
    He walked with measured steps on stage, his movements very standard.
  • ，方步。
    Zhè wèi lǎo xiān sheng zǒu lù shí fēn wěn zhòng, mài de shì fāng bù.
    This elderly gentleman walks very steadily, taking measured steps.
  • 方步。
    Jīng jù yǎn yuán de fāng bù jiǎng jiu jié zòu hé lì dù.
    The square pace of Peking opera performers emphasizes rhythm and strength.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

方fāngsquare
步bùstep

方 means square or regular and 步 means step, so 方步 names a steady, measured step.

Characters in this word

No reliable origin is recorded for this character.

Open 方 →

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 →

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