徒步

• Pinyin: tú bù
• Hanzi breakdown: 徒 = 彳 (step) + 走 (walk) + 土 (earth); 步 = 止 (foot) × 2, depicting walking

Meaning

On foot; hiking; to walk. Traveling by walking rather than using vehicles, often for recreation or exercise.

Commonly used for recreational hiking and trekking activities. Can also describe any journey made on foot. Popular in outdoor enthusiast communities. Often combined with destinations or durations.

Examples

1. 我们计划周末徒步穿越这片原始森林，全程大约需要两天。 We plan to hike through this primeval forest over the weekend; the entire journey takes about two days.
2. 他花了三个月时间徒步走完了整条茶马古道。 He spent three months hiking the entire Ancient Tea Horse Road.
3. 徒步旅行让人有机会慢下来，真正感受沿途的风景和文化。 Hiking gives people the chance to slow down and truly experience the scenery and culture along the way.

Usage Guide

Context: outdoor activities, travel, sports

Tone: active

Do Say

• 这条徒步路线难度适中，适合初学者。(This hiking trail is moderately difficult, suitable for beginners.)
• 我们打算徒步去山顶看日出。(We plan to hike to the summit to watch the sunrise.)

Don't Say

• 说'我徒步去上班'指日常走路通勤 (For regular walking commutes, use 走路 or 步行 — 徒步 implies longer recreational hikes)

Origin & History

Classical Chinese compound: 徒 (on foot, without vehicle) + 步 (step, walk). Originally meant simply walking; modern usage emphasizes recreational hiking.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal