Common Meanings
1
bù步
to walk; step; pace
我们决定步行去商店。
We decided to walk to the store.
To follow in someone's footsteps; to emulate or imitate someone's actions or achievements, often implying following a predecessor.
老师鼓励我们学习前人的经验，但不要盲目步其后尘，要有所创新。
The teacher encouraged us to learn from the experiences of our predecessors, but not to blindly follow in their footsteps; we should innovate.
The distance between one's feet when walking; a step or pace. It can also refer to progress, as in '寸步难行' (unable to move a single step).
由于路上积水太深，他寸步难行，只好掉头回家。
Because the water on the road was too deep, he couldn't move an inch and had to turn back home.
Steps, stages, or procedures in a process; degree.
完成这个项目需要几个步骤。
Completing this project requires several steps.
An ancient Chinese unit of length, equal to five chi (feet).
他量了十步的距离。
He measured a distance of ten 'bu'.
When pronounced 'bù', it is synonymous with '埠' (bù), meaning a port or dock, primarily used in geographical names.
我们沿着河边小路，来到了旧时被称为'码头步'的地方。
Following the riverside path, we arrived at the place historically known as 'Matoubu' (Pier Port).