止步

• Pinyin: zhǐ bù
• Hanzi breakdown: 止 = pictograph of a foot stopping; 步 = 止 + 少 (step — foot movement)

Meaning

To stop walking; to halt one's steps. Also used as a command meaning 'keep out' or to describe reaching a limit.

Used on warning signs (闲人止步 — no entry for unauthorised persons), in competitions (止步八强 — eliminated in the quarter-finals), and in formal farewells (送客止步 — see the guest no further). A versatile term combining physical and figurative halting.

Examples

1. 施工区域危险，请在此止步，不要靠近。 This construction area is dangerous—stop here and do not approach.
2. 他在比赛中表现出色，最终止步于半决赛。 He performed well in the competition but was ultimately eliminated in the semifinals.
3. 主人送客至门口止步，目送他们离去。 The host walked the guests to the door and stopped there, watching them leave.

Usage Guide

Context: signs, competition, etiquette

Tone: commanding

Do Say

• 前方是禁区，请在此止步。(The area ahead is restricted — please stop here.)
• 球队在欧冠联赛中止步于四强，未能进入决赛。(The team was eliminated in the semi-finals of the Champions League, failing to reach the final.)

Don't Say

• 我今天止步了五千步 — 止步 means to stop walking, not a step count; use 走了五千步 for walking distance

Origin & History

止 (stop) + 步 (step/walk)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal