How to Write 步 (bù) — Meaning “Step / Pace”

Imagine a person taking a step: the top part 止 looks like a shoeprint, and the bottom part looks like another smaller footprint moving ahead. Think of it as 'two feet making a step' to remember the meaning.

The stroke order is: first the top 止 (4 strokes: vertical, horizontal, vertical, horizontal), then the bottom part (3 strokes: vertical, left-falling, horizontal). A common mistake is adding a dot to the bottom; the last stroke is a horizontal line, not a dot.

步 has a distinct bottom shape like a missing dot 少, while 正 has a horizontal line on top (一) over 止, and 此 has 止 on the left with 匕 on the right. In meaning, 步 is about movement (step), 正 means 'correct' or 'upright', and 此 means 'this'.

步 is most common in words like 跑步 (to run), 散步 (to take a walk), and 进步 (progress). It is also used in cultural phrases such as 一步一个脚印 (one step at a time), emphasizing steady progress.

Common words containing 步 include: 跑步 (pǎo bù) — to run; jogging; 散步 (sàn bù) — to take a walk; 进步 (jìn bù) — To progress / Improvement.