Translation and Meaning of: 歩 - fu

The Japanese word 「歩」 (fu) is a kanji that means "step" or "walk." This character is often recognized in contexts that talk about movement or progression. It is one of the basic learning kanjis due to its frequent use in various combinations of words and expressions. When we study the Japanese language, understanding the use and versatility of the kanji 「歩」 is fundamental to capturing nuances of meaning in different contexts.

Etymologically, 「歩」 is composed of two main elements: the radical 「止」 which means "stop" and the additional part 「小」 which represents "small". The union of these components can be interpreted as the idea of taking small pauses while walking or moving, encapsulating the essence of gradual movement or walking. Such a conception may sound poetic, as it evokes the tranquility and constant rhythm of the act of walking. This interpretation has historical roots in the way writing evolved in Japan.

The origin of the kanji 「歩」 dates back to the ancestral use of Chinese characters, which were adapted to the Japanese writing system over a thousand years ago. In the Chinese language, this character also carries the meaning of "to walk" or "to advance," reinforcing the cultural and linguistic connection between the two languages over the centuries. Interestingly, when used in combinations such as 「散歩」 (sanpo, meaning "walk") or 「歩道」 (hodō, meaning "sidewalk"), it retains its meaning of movement, harmoniously integrating into phrases that describe daily activities.

Finally, a simple list of words that incorporate the kanji 「歩」 includes:

"「歩行者」 (hokōsha) - Pedestrian"
"Number of steps" (歩数 - hosū)
"歩幅" (hohaba) - Step length

These words are used in different contexts that range from physical activities to urban elements, illustrating how 「歩」 permeates various facets of everyday life in Japan. Understanding and effectively using this kanji helps enrich vocabulary and facilitates fluent communication in Japanese.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

歩行 ( Hokō ) - Walk; act of walking.
歩み ( Ayumi ) - Progress; walk; act of moving forward.
歩調 ( Hochō ) - Walking rhythm; step.
歩幅 ( Abahaba ) - Step width; measurement of the distance between steps.
歩数 ( Hosū ) - Number of steps; count of steps taken.
歩道 ( Hodō ) - Sidewalk; path for pedestrians.
歩留まり ( Budōmari ) - Percentage of utilization; efficiency in walking.
歩兵 ( Hohhei ) - Infantry soldier; foot troops marching.
歩く ( Aruku ) - Walk; to walk.
歩める ( Ayumeru ) - To be able to walk; to have the ability to progress.
歩み寄る ( Ayumiyoru ) - Approach; make progress in communication or understanding.
歩み止まる ( Ayumidomaru ) - Stop walking; interrupt the progress.
歩みを進める ( Ayumi wo susumeru ) - Advance; continue on the path.
歩みを止める ( Ayumi wo tomeru ) - Stop the advances; interrupt the walk.
歩みを共にする ( Ayumi wo tomo ni suru ) - Walking together; sharing the progress.
歩みを合わせる ( Ayumi wo awaseru ) - Synchronize the walk; align steps.
歩みを緩める ( Ayumi wo yurumeru ) - Slow down the walk; relax the pace.
歩みを速める ( Ayumi wo hayameru ) - Speed up the walk; increase the pace.
歩みを軽くする ( Ayumi wo karuku suru ) - Make walking lighter; facilitate movement.
歩みを重くする ( Ayumi wo omoku suru ) - Make walking heavier; make movement more difficult.
歩みを早める ( Ayumi wo hayameru ) - Accelerate the pace; increase the speed.
歩みを遅らせる ( Ayumi wo okuraseru ) - Slow down; delay the progress.
歩みを改める ( Ayumi wo aratameru ) - Review the progress; change the walking approach.
歩みを逆にする ( Ayumi wo gyaku ni suru ) - Reverse the march; change the direction of progress.
歩みを振り返る ( Ayumi wo furikaeru ) - Reflect on progress; look back on the journey.
歩みを見失う ( Ayumi wo miushinau ) - Getting lost on the journey; not being able to see the progress.
歩みを取り戻す ( Ayumi wo torimodosu ) - Recover the progress; resume the march.