一步一步 (yī bù yī bù)

adverb HSK 4

yī bù yī bù

step by step · gradually · one step at a time

Meaning

This phrase literally means 'one step one step' and describes doing something gradually, methodically, or incrementally. It emphasizes a steady, patient approach to achieving a goal or completing a task, rather than rushing or trying to do everything at once.

Usage

Commonly used to encourage patience and steady progress, or to describe a methodical approach to learning, problem-solving, or accomplishing tasks. Often appears in encouraging contexts like teaching, self-improvement, or project planning. Can be used as an adverbial phrase modifying verbs.

Examples

01
学中文要一步一步来，不要着急。
Xué Zhōngwén yào yī bù yī bù lái, bùyào zhāojí.
Learning Chinese requires taking it step by step; don't be anxious.
02
他一步一步地实现了自己的梦想。
Tā yī bù yī bù de shíxiàn le zìjǐ de mèngxiǎng.
He gradually realized his dreams step by step.

Characters

Common collocations

一步一步来
yī bù yī bù lái
take it step by step
一步一步地
yī bù yī bù de
step by step (adverbial)
一步一步走
yī bù yī bù zǒu
to walk step by step

Antonyms

Origin

The repetition pattern (一X一X) is common in Chinese to emphasize gradualness or repetition. This construction mirrors the physical act of walking, where each step follows the previous one.