How to Write 歨 (bù) — Meaning “Step (archaic variant of 步)”

Imagine a person stopping (止) to take a few (少) short steps forward. The top part looks like a foot stopping, and the bottom part suggests a small number of movements. That combination helps you recall that 歨 means 'step'.

Write the top part 止 first (vertical line, two horizontals, then the left vertical), then add the bottom 少 (small dash, then two dots). A common mistake is to make the bottom too large or to confuse the order—remember to finish the top completely before adding the three strokes of 少. Keep the whole character compact and balanced.

歨 looks very similar to 步 but 歨 uses 少 (few) while 步 uses a different bottom (㇑㇒). 此 (this) has 止 on the left and 匕 on the right, while 歨 is a vertical stack. In meaning, 歨 and 步 both mean 'step', but 歨 is archaic; 此 means 'this' and has no step meaning.

歨 is almost never used in modern writing—it is a historical variant of 步 found in old texts or calligraphy. In daily Chinese, you should always use 步 (as in 步行 or 步骤). Knowing 歨 helps you read classical literature or appreciate calligraphy, but it is not needed for standard communication.

Common words containing 歨 include: 歨行 (bù xíng) — To walk; on foot; 歨步 (bù bù) — Step by step; 歨子 (bù zi) — Step; pace.