Meaning
履 is a formal, literary word for shoe or footwear, and also means to step on or walk upon something. In modern usage, it more commonly appears in formal contexts meaning to fulfill or carry out duties and obligations, as in履行 (to fulfill). As a standalone word for shoe, it is quite archaic and mostly seen in classical texts or formal expressions.
Usage
In everyday speech, Chinese speakers use 鞋子 (xiézi) for shoes, not 履. However, 履 appears frequently in formal and written contexts, especially in compounds like 履行 (to fulfill), 履历 (resume/CV), and 如履薄冰 (walking on thin ice). The character carries a sense of stepping carefully or carrying out responsibilities with proper attention.
Examples
- 01公司必须履行合同中的所有条款。.The company must fulfill all terms in the contract.
- 02他在新岗位上如履薄冰，生怕出错。, .He treads carefully in his new position, afraid of making mistakes.
Measure words
- 只一只履
- 双一双履
Common collocations
- 履行职责to fulfill one's duties
- 履行诺言to keep one's promise
- 如履薄冰to be on thin ice (idiom)
- 削足适履to cut the feet to fit the shoes (idiom: inappropriate adaptation)
Origin
The character 履 originally depicted a shoe in oracle bone script. The bottom component 复 suggests repetition or returning, while the top 尸 relates to the body or person, creating an image of something worn repeatedly on the feet.