踩

• Pinyin: cǎi
• Hanzi breakdown: 踩 = 足 (foot) + 采 (phonetic, to pick)

Meaning

To step on; to tread on; to trample. The action of pressing down with one's foot.

A common verb for the action of stepping or treading. Can be accidental (踩到东西 step on something) or intentional (踩刹车 press the brake). Also used metaphorically for criticizing or putting someone down online (被踩 getting downvoted/criticized).

Examples

1. 小心点，别踩到地上的玻璃碎片。 Be careful, don't step on the broken glass on the ground.
2. 她不小心踩到了我的脚，连忙道歉。 She accidentally stepped on my foot and quickly apologized.
3. 开车的时候要随时准备踩刹车。 When driving, you need to be ready to hit the brakes at any time.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, driving, internet

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你踩到我的裙子了！(You stepped on my dress!)
• 遇到危险要赶紧踩刹车。(When encountering danger, quickly step on the brake.)

Don't Say

• 在网络语境中，'踩'可能有贬低的意思 (In internet contexts, 踩 can mean to downvote or criticize, as opposed to 顶/赞 for upvoting)

Origin & History

Composed of 足 (foot radical) + 采 (phonetic). Represents the action of the foot pressing down.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal