Definition
步伐 (bù fá) refers to the pace or step in walking, and is also used figuratively for the speed of progress (e.g., development, times). It is broader than 步 (bù), which is a single step or stage, and more general than 脚步 (jiǎo bù), which emphasizes the sound or specific stride of footsteps. 节奏 (jié zòu) focuses on rhythm/tempo, not walking steps.
noun
pacestep (both literal and figurative)
Easily confused
- 不法bù fǎsound-alikeillegal, lawless
- 不乏bù fásound-aliketo have no shortage of; there is no lack of
Examples
- 步伐。Tā mài zhe jiāndìng de bù fá zǒu xiàng jiǎngtái.He walked toward the podium with firm steps.
- 步伐。Gōngsī de fāzhǎn bù fá míngxiǎn jiākuài le.The company's pace of development has clearly accelerated.
- 步伐。Wǒmen yào gēn shàng shídài de bù fá.We need to keep up with the pace of the times.
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