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March 24, 2026
步伐bùfá(bu4fa2)
步伐 (bù fá) refers to the pace or step taken while walking, often emphasizing the rhythm and measurement of movement. It can be used metaphorically to describe the progress or development of a situation, such as the pace of a project or the advancement of society.
Frequency#9673DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of pace is often linked to the philosophy of moderation and balance, as seen in traditional practices like Tai Chi, which emphasize smooth, measured movements.
Memory Tip
Imagine a marching band moving in perfect sync, each member taking a measured step (步) in their rhythm (伐). Visualize the sound of drums guiding their pace, helping you remember 'bu4 fa2' as 'step' and 'rhythm'.
Meanings of 步伐
bùfá(bu4fa2)
1pace
2(measured) step
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 步伐
步伐Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9673Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 步伐
Podcast: 步伐
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AI Study Notes for 步伐
Quick Contrast
步速 (bùsù) — choose 步伐 when emphasizing the rhythm or manner of walking, while 步速 focuses specifically on the speed of movement.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a marching band moving in perfect sync, each member taking a measured step (步) in their rhythm (伐). Visualize the sound of drums guiding their pace, helping you remember 'bu4 fa2' as 'step' and 'rhythm'.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 步伐 with simply 步 (step), as 步伐 emphasizes the rhythmic aspect of walking or progress. This term is more formal and often used in literary or academic contexts. Common collocations include '加快步伐' (speed up the pace) and '稳健步伐' (steady pace).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 步伐 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to movement and progress, such as 进步 (jìn bù, progress) and 发展 (fā zhǎn, development). Focus on using it in sentences that describe both physical and metaphorical movement.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of pace is often linked to the philosophy of moderation and balance, as seen in traditional practices like Tai Chi, which emphasize smooth, measured movements.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 步伐 to refer to a single step instead of the measured pace or rhythm of movement. For example, saying '我走一步伐' (I walk a step) is incorrect; it should be '我走一步' (I take a step).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 步伐
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Grammar Patterns of 步伐
步伐 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
她连蹦带跳地走着，好跟上他的____。
She was skipping to keep up with him.
Example Sentences for 步伐 (8)
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1
她连蹦带跳地走着，好跟上他的步伐。
tā lián bèng dài tiào dì zǒu zháo， ， hǎo gēn shàng tā de bù。
She was skipping to keep up with him.
2
很多人对变革的步伐不满意。
hěn duō rén duì biàn gé de bù fá bù mǎn yì。
Many people were not satisfied with the pace of change.
3
他匆匆地迈着沉重的步伐绕过湖边向花园走去。
tā cōng cōng dì mài zháo chén zhòng de bù fá rào guò hú biān xiàng huā yuán zǒu qù。
He tramped hurriedly round the lake towards the garden.
4
她意识到自己趾高气扬的步伐已变成了拖着脚走路了。
tā yì shí dào zì jǐ zhǐ gāo qì yáng de bù fá yǐ biàn chéng le tuō zháo jiǎo zǒu lù le。
She noticed her own proud walk had become a shuffle.
5
她走得很慢，以便与他保持一致的步伐。
tā zǒu dé hěn màn， ， yǐ biàn yǔ tā bǎo chí yī zhì de bù。
She walked slowly to accommodate herself to his pace.
hái zǐ mén yòu léi yòu è, , tuō zháo chén zhòng de bù fá gāo gāo xīng xīng dì huí jiā.
Tired and hungry, but happy , the boys trudged home.
8
他们低着头，一言不发地慢跑了一会儿，步伐也不一致。
tā mén dī zháo tóu， ， yī yán bù fā dì màn pǎo le yī huì， ér ， bù fá yě bù。
They jogged in silence a while, faces lowered, out of step.
Cultural Notes for 步伐
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of pace is often linked to the philosophy of moderation and balance, as seen in traditional practices like Tai Chi, which emphasize smooth, measured movements.
Frequently Asked Questions about 步伐
You can say, '我们需要加快步伐来完成这个项目' (We need to speed up the pace to complete this project).
No, 步伐 can also describe the pace of progress in various contexts, such as technology or personal development.
步 refers to a single step, while 步伐 emphasizes the overall pace or rhythm of movement.
