步伐 bùfá pace
pace; (measured) step; march
How to remember 步伐: 步 a step + 伐 cut down = pace.
Characters
How it is used
- 'Pace, step, stride' - often figurative - 加快步伐 (jiākuài bùfá) to quicken the pace (of progress).
- 迈开步伐 / 前进的步伐: the tempo of advancement, development, or reform.
- More formal/figurative than 脚步 (jiǎobù, footsteps); 步伐 evokes marching, momentum.
Example sentences
- 我们真的得加紧步伐了。 Wǒmen zhēnde děi jiājǐn bùfá le.We've really got to step on it.
- 我们应该走出什么样的步伐。 Wǒmen yīnggāi zǒuchū shénmeyàng de bùfá.What steps should we take?
- 他迈着稳健的步伐登上了山丘。 Tā màizhe wěnjiàn de bùfá dēngshàng le shānqiū.He was walking up the hill at a steady pace.