Definitions

cǎi (verb) to step on; to tread; to stamp
cǎi (verb) to press a pedal; to pedal (a bike)
cǎi (verb) to downvote

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "踩" is structured with the semantic component "足" on the left, indicating an association with the foot or leg, and the phonetic component "采" on the right, which historically provided a clue to its pronunciation. Its primary meaning has consistently been to step on or tread upon, but over time it has acquired extended metaphorical uses, such as to disparage or criticize in contexts like "踩低" for belittling. The character's form, comprising these two components, has remained stable, and while its core physical sense persists, the development of abstract connotations reflects adaptive usage within the language.

Example Sentences Hide

小心别到水坑。

Xiǎoxīn bié cǎi dào shuǐkēng.

Be careful not to step into the puddle.

到了我的鞋子。

Tā cǎi dào le wǒ de xiézi.

He stepped on my shoe.

我昨天死了一只虫子。

Wǒ zuótiān cǎi sǐ le yī zhī chóngzi.

I stepped on and killed a bug yesterday.

孩子们在草地上去。

Háizimen zài cǎodì shàng cǎi lái cǎi qù.

The children are stepping back and forth on the grass.

油门加速超过前车。

Cǎi yóumén jiāsù chāoguò qián chē.

Step on the gas pedal to accelerate and overtake the car ahead.

在松软的沙滩上感觉很好。

Cǎi zài sōngruǎn de shātān shàng gǎnjué hěn hǎo.

Stepping on the soft sandy beach feels great.

如果你到钉子,可能会受伤。

Rúguǒ nǐ cǎi dào dīngzi, kěnéng huì shòushāng.

If you step on a nail, you might get hurt.

在黑暗中被了一脚,他疼得大叫起来。

Zài hēi'àn zhōng bèi cǎi le yī jiǎo, tā téng de dà jiào qǐlái.

He was stepped on in the dark and cried out in pain.