Definitions

(verb) to step on; to tread; to stamp
(verb) to press a pedal
(verb) to investigate on the spot
(adjective) steady; firm; practical

Etymology phono-semantic

foot

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "踏" is a phono-semantic compound that combines the radical "足", indicating its association with the foot, and the phonetic component "沓", which guides its pronunciation. This structure has consistently conveyed the core meaning of stepping or treading upon a surface, a definition maintained from early usage into modern contexts. Over time, while its graphical form remained stable, the character's semantic application expanded to encompass metaphorical extensions, such as the sense of steadiness and reliability found in the compound "踏实", illustrating a shift from physical action to abstract qualities without altering its fundamental etymological design.

Example Sentences Hide

进家门。

Wǒ tà jìn jiā mén.

I stepped into the house.

上了旅途。

Tā tà shàng le lǚ tú.

He embarked on a journey.

孩子们在草地上步。

Háizi men zài cǎo dì shàng tà bù.

The children are marching on the grass.

春天我们去青。

Chūntiān wǒmen qù tà qīng.

In spring, we go for a spring outing.

他做事很实。

Tā zuò shì hěn tāshi.

He does things very steadily.

他们足了国际市场。

Tāmen tà zú le guójì shìchǎng.

They have set foot in the international market.

着音乐节奏跳舞。

Tā tà zhe yīnyuè jiézòu tiàowǔ.

She dances to the rhythm of the music.

我们过泥泞的道路。

Wǒmen tà guò nínìng de dàolù.

We tread through the muddy road.