In 15 Sekunden
- Steady progress through hard work and solid foundations.
- Doing things thoroughly without taking any shortcuts.
- A grounded approach to long-term goals and personal growth.
Bedeutung
It describes doing something steadily and surely, making real progress without skipping steps. It is like leaving a deep, solid footprint with every single step you take.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Encouraging a friend learning a new skill
别急，学习编程要一步一个脚印。
Don't rush, learning programming takes one step at a time.
Describing career growth in a job interview
在过去的五年里，我一步一个脚印地做到了经理的位置。
Over the past five years, I worked my way up to manager step by step.
A parent talking to a child about school
只要你一步一个脚印地努力，成绩一定会提高的。
As long as you work hard step by step, your grades will definitely improve.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This expression is rooted in the traditional Chinese virtue of 'Tashi' (踏实), which prizes being grounded and dependable. It gained significant political and social traction in the mid-20th century as a slogan for steady national progress and remains a favorite mantra for parents and mentors today.
The 'Deep Footprint' Visual
When you say this, visualize someone walking through mud. The deeper the footprint, the more effort they put in. It helps you remember the 'thorough' aspect of the phrase.
Don't use for 'Fast' success
If someone got rich overnight or won the lottery, this phrase is the wrong choice. It specifically honors the grind and the time spent.
In 15 Sekunden
- Steady progress through hard work and solid foundations.
- Doing things thoroughly without taking any shortcuts.
- A grounded approach to long-term goals and personal growth.
What It Means
Imagine walking on a sandy beach or through fresh snow. If you walk too fast, your tracks are shallow and messy. But if you walk with purpose, every step leaves a clear, deep mark. That is exactly what 一步一个脚印 (yī bù yī gè jiǎoyìn) means. It is about being grounded. It is about doing things thoroughly. You are not just finishing a task. You are building a foundation that will not wash away. It is the opposite of taking shortcuts or being flashy.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase as an adverb or a standalone compliment. If your friend is stressed about a big project, tell them to do it 一步一个脚印. It functions like a steadying hand on a shoulder. In a sentence, you often see it following a person’s name or a verb like 地走 (to walk/progress). It is very flexible. You can use it to describe a career path, a fitness journey, or even learning a difficult language like Chinese.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to emphasize reliability and hard work. It is perfect for job interviews when describing your career growth. It works beautifully in graduation speeches or wedding toasts to describe a couple's journey. Use it when a child is learning something new and needs encouragement. It is a high-quality compliment. It says, "I see how hard you are working, and I trust your process."
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for things that require extreme speed or emergency action. If a building is on fire, do not tell people to leave 一步一个脚印! That would be a disaster. Also, avoid it for light, spontaneous fun. If you are deciding which ice cream flavor to pick, this phrase is way too heavy. It is for serious growth, not for choosing between chocolate and vanilla. It can also sound a bit patronizing if used with someone much more senior than you unless you are genuinely praising their legacy.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture deeply values the concept of 'down-to-earth' work, known as 踏实 (tāshi). This phrase is the ultimate expression of that value. It reflects a history of agrarian labor where persistence was the only way to survive. In the modern era, it became a popular slogan for national development. It shifted from literal farming to metaphorical success. It suggests that there are no shortcuts to greatness. You must earn every inch of your progress.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 脚踏实地 (jiǎo tà shí dì), which means 'feet planted on solid ground.' They are cousins. While 一步一个脚印 focuses on the sequence of steps, 脚踏实地 focuses on the attitude of being realistic. Another one is 循序渐进 (xún xù jiàn jìn), which is more formal and academic. If you want to sound more poetic, stick with the footprints. It paints a much better picture in the listener's mind.
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is very safe to use in almost any context. It carries a tone of sincerity and reliability. Just ensure you aren't using it for something that actually requires urgency.
The 'Deep Footprint' Visual
When you say this, visualize someone walking through mud. The deeper the footprint, the more effort they put in. It helps you remember the 'thorough' aspect of the phrase.
Don't use for 'Fast' success
If someone got rich overnight or won the lottery, this phrase is the wrong choice. It specifically honors the grind and the time spent.
The Humble Brag
In China, calling your own progress `一步一个脚印` is a way to show humility. It suggests you aren't a genius, just a very hard worker.
Beispiele
6别急，学习编程要一步一个脚印。
Don't rush, learning programming takes one step at a time.
Used here to calm someone down and promote patience.
在过去的五年里，我一步一个脚印地做到了经理的位置。
Over the past five years, I worked my way up to manager step by step.
Shows the speaker is reliable and didn't rely on luck.
只要你一步一个脚印地努力，成绩一定会提高的。
As long as you work hard step by step, your grades will definitely improve.
Focuses on the effort rather than just the final result.
这个项目很大，我们要一步一个脚印来。
This project is huge; we need to take it one step at a time.
Breaking down a daunting task into manageable parts.
我的减肥计划是一步一个脚印，今天我只走到了冰箱那里。
My weight loss plan is 'one step at a time'; today I only made it to the fridge.
Uses the literal meaning of 'step' for a self-deprecating joke.
王老师在教育岗位上工作了三十年，真是一步一个脚印。
Teacher Wang worked in education for thirty years, truly leaving a mark every step of the way.
Expresses deep respect for a long, consistent career.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about building a business.
创业不能急于求成，必须___地去经营。
Building a business requires steady work, which fits 'step by step' perfectly.
Which phrase fits a situation where someone is rushing and making mistakes?
你走得太快了，还是___比较稳妥。
The speaker is advising the other person to slow down and be more thorough.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum
Used with friends to encourage them.
慢慢来，一步一个脚印。
Standard use in daily conversation and work.
他做事一步一个脚印。
Used in speeches or official reports.
我们要一步一个脚印落实政策。
When to use 'One Step at a Time'
Career Growth
Promotions earned through merit.
Skill Mastery
Learning an instrument or language.
Project Management
Handling a complex task phase by phase.
Fitness Journey
Consistent daily exercise.
Aufgabensammlung
2 Aufgaben创业不能急于求成，必须___地去经营。
Building a business requires steady work, which fits 'step by step' perfectly.
你走得太快了，还是___比较稳妥。
The speaker is advising the other person to slow down and be more thorough.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenAlmost never! It is nearly always used metaphorically to describe how someone approaches their work, studies, or life goals.
Yes, you can. If a couple is taking things slow and building a strong foundation, you can say they are moving 一步一个脚印.
Not at all. It's very common in texts to encourage friends who are feeling overwhelmed by a big task.
While it implies a slower pace, the focus is on 'steadiness' and 'quality' rather than just the speed itself.
A good opposite would be 急功近利 (jígōng jìnlì), which means seeking quick success and instant benefits.
Usually, it's positive. However, you could sarcastically use it for someone who is very methodically making a mess of things, though that's rare.
It's a classic, but not 'old.' People of all ages use it, from tech CEOs to primary school students.
No, it functions as an adverbial phrase or a descriptive predicate. You don't 'have' a step-by-step; you 'do things' step-by-step.
Not really, the four-character rhythm 一步一个 followed by 脚印 is what makes it catchy and recognizable.
Extremely. It's often used by leaders to describe sustainable growth strategies that avoid risky bubbles.
