Chinese word

迈

Pronunciation

Pinyinmài

Meaning

  • verbstep forward

Example

他迈了一步向前。tā mài le yí bù xiàng qián

He took a step forward.

Illustration for 迈 (step forward)

More examples

要做成这件事，首先要迈出第一步。yào zuò chéng zhè jiàn shì shǒu xiān yào mài chū dì yí bù

To accomplish this, you must first take the first step.

Core concept

A forward step that carries someone or something across a point of change and into what comes next.

Common phrases

  • 迈出第一步mài chū dì yí bù

    take the first step

  • 迈入正轨mài rù zhèng guǐ

    get on the right track

Similar words

迈向mài xiàng: To move steadily toward a goal or chosen direction.
前进qián jìn: To move forward and make progress in position or circumstances.
进入jìn rù: To go into a place or enter a new stage.
开始kāi shǐ: To start a new action or event.

Definition in Chinese

把脚向前跨出；也可指推动事情向前发展或开始新的阶段。bǎ jiǎo xiàng qián kuà chū yě kě zhǐ tuī dòng shì qíng xiàng qián fā zhǎn huò kāi shǐ xīn de jiē duàn

Word origin

迈 (mài, "step forward") is the simplified form of an older character for going forward or taking a long stride, so its physical sense naturally extends to progress into a new stage.

Usage tips

  • This verb is useful when a sentence connects movement with a goal or a new phase, because it highlights direction and change rather than motion alone.

Other meanings

  • strideverb
  • advanceverb

Opposites

  • 停滞tíng zhìstagnateverb
  • 退步tuì bùregressverb

Related words

Word lists with this word