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步 (bù) — (noun) step (in walking), pace; (noun) stage (of a process)

Definition

步 (bù) is a measure word for steps/stages in a process (e.g. 第一步). It contrasts with 级 (level/grade, more like a tier) and 步骤 (a full procedure, not a single count).

noun
step (in walking)pacestage (of a process)
Measure word · 步
Easily confused

Examples

  • 步。
    Tā xiàng qián zǒu le sān bù.
    He walked three steps forward.
  • 步
    Zhè shì chéng gōng de dì bù
    This is the first step to success.
  • 步
    Wǒ men měi yí bù dōu yào rèn zhēn zuò
    We must do every step carefully.

Origin

Compound ideograph
六书liùshū
会意huìyì

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.

Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 41000 Most Frequent Chinese WordsAbstract Concepts2000 Most Frequent Chinese Words3000 Most Frequent Chinese Words5000 Most Frequent Chinese Words

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