noun HSK 4
Traditional 步驟
zhòu
step · procedure · phase

Meaning

步骤 refers to individual steps or stages in a process or procedure. It's commonly used when describing how to do something systematically, whether in cooking, assembly instructions, scientific experiments, or any multi-stage task.

Usage

This is a formal to neutral term frequently used in instructions, manuals, academic writing, and work contexts. In casual conversation, people might simply say 第一步、第二步 (first step, second step) instead. Often used with measure words like 个 and appears in phrases like 按步骤 (according to the steps).

Examples

  1. 01
    请按照步骤完成这个实验。
    Qǐng ànzhào zhòu wánchéng zhège shíyàn.
    Please complete this experiment according to the steps.
  2. 02
    这个菜的烹饪步骤很简单。
    Zhège cài de pēngrèn zhòu hěn jiǎndān.
    The cooking steps for this dish are very simple.

Characters

Measure words

  • 三个步骤

Common collocations

  • 步骤
    àn zhòu
    according to the steps
  • 操作步骤
    cāo zuò zhòu
    operating procedure
  • 具体步骤
    zhòu
    specific steps
  • 第一步骤
    zhòu
    first step

Origin

步 originally meant a physical step or pace, while 骤 carries the meaning of a sudden movement or stage. Together they form a compound meaning the discrete stages of a process.

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