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March 24, 2026
地步dìbù(di4bu4)
地步 (dìbù) refers to the condition or situation someone finds themselves in, often implying a negative context such as a plight or difficult circumstance. It can also denote the extent or degree to which a situation has developed, suggesting limitations on options or actions available.
Frequency#4880DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of facing various '地步' is prevalent in Chinese literature and philosophy, often reflecting the moral lessons of one's choices leading to their current plight. It resonates with the value placed on understanding one's circumstances in traditional Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine standing on a piece of ground (地, dì) that is slowly sinking (步, bù). This visual can help you remember that 地步 signifies the precarious situation or condition you find yourself in, as you are literally at a 'step' or 'stage' in a troubling situation.
Meanings of 地步
dìbù(di4bu4)
1condition
2situation
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 地步
地步Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4880Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 地步
Podcast: 地步
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AI Study Notes for 地步
Quick Contrast
境地 (jìngdì) - use 地步 for a more negative connotation, while 境地 can be more neutral or descriptive.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine standing on a piece of ground (地, dì) that is slowly sinking (步, bù). This visual can help you remember that 地步 signifies the precarious situation or condition you find yourself in, as you are literally at a 'step' or 'stage' in a troubling situation.
Usage Notes
地步 is often used in negative contexts, such as discussing someone's unfortunate situation. Common collocations include '陷入地步' (to fall into a plight) and '这个地步' (this extent). It's important to use it in a context that conveys seriousness or urgency.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 地步 connects to other advanced vocabulary that describes conditions and situations, such as 状况 (zhuàngkuàng) meaning 'condition' and 情况 (qíngkuàng) meaning 'situation'. Focus on using it in complex sentences to express nuanced situations.
Cultural Note
The concept of facing various '地步' is prevalent in Chinese literature and philosophy, often reflecting the moral lessons of one's choices leading to their current plight. It resonates with the value placed on understanding one's circumstances in traditional Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 地步 with the similar-sounding 地位 (dìwèi), which means 'status' or 'position'. For example, saying '他的地位很差' (His situation is very poor) is incorrect; use '他的地步很差' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 地步
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Grammar Patterns of 地步
地步 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 8 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
她不得不疲惫____行穿过伦敦，这让她相当生气。
She was rather cross about having to trail across London.
Example Sentences for 地步 (5)
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1
她不得不疲惫地步行穿过伦敦，这让她相当生气。
tā bù dé bù pí bèi dì bù háng chuān guò lún dūn， ， zhè ràng tā xiāng dāng shēng。
She was rather cross about having to trail across London.
2
到了他不得不走的地步。
dào le tā bù dé bù zǒu de dì bù。
It got to the point where he had to leave.
3
他们对她的喜爱不久就发展到了盲目崇拜的地步。
tā mén duì tā de xǐ ài bù jiǔ jiù fā zhǎn dào le máng mù chóng bài de dì bù。
Their affection for her soon increased almost to idolatry.
I knew I was going to make it — that I wasn't a hopeless case.
5
她怕乘飞机几乎到了不可救药的地步。
tā pà chéng fēi jī jī hū dào le bù kě jiù yào de dì bù。
Her fear of flying is bordering on obsession.
Cultural Notes for 地步
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of facing various '地步' is prevalent in Chinese literature and philosophy, often reflecting the moral lessons of one's choices leading to their current plight. It resonates with the value placed on understanding one's circumstances in traditional Chinese culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about 地步
No, 地步 typically carries a negative connotation and is used to describe unfortunate or difficult situations.
Not exactly; while both refer to conditions, 状况 is more neutral and can describe both positive and negative situations, whereas 地步 is primarily negative.
You can say, '他现在的地步很糟糕' (His current situation is very bad) to illustrate its usage.
