踏む

• Reading: ふむ
• Romaji: fumu
• Kanji breakdown: 踏 (tou/fu) — step on, tread
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.mɯ/

Meaning

To step on; to tread on. Describes placing one's foot on something or walking over it.

A Group 1 (godan) verb with a む ending. Used both literally (stepping on the ground, a pedal, or an object) and figuratively in expressions like 手順を踏む (to follow proper steps) and 二の足を踏む (to hesitate). A practical everyday verb.

Examples

1. ブレーキを踏んで車を止めた。 I stepped on the brake and stopped the car.
2. うっかり猫のしっぽを踏んでしまった。 I accidentally stepped on the cat's tail.
3. 正しい手順を踏んで申し込みましょう。 Let's follow the proper steps when applying.

Usage Guide

Context: driving, daily life, procedures

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 踏 combines 足 (foot) and a phonetic element, directly representing the action of placing a foot down on something.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal