to trample, to tread on, to walk over

JLPT N4 15 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character (tà) primarily means "to step on" or "to tread." It is often used to describe physically stepping on something, such as stepping on flowers or the ground. It can also be used metaphorically, such as "旅程" meaning to embark on a journey.

Common Collocations

  • (tà shàng): to step onto, to embark on (a journey or path)
  • 踏实 (tà shi): steady, reliable (used metaphorically to describe a person's attitude or work)
  • 节奏 (tà jiézòu): to step to the rhythm, often used in dancing or music contexts

Usage Notes

When using , the focus is on the action of stepping or treading, often with a sense of physical contact or movement. It is more formal and literary compared to the more common verb "" (cǎi), which also means to step on but is used more colloquially. Avoid confusing with ; often appears in set phrases and has a slightly more deliberate or figurative nuance.

Register and Tone

The word is neutral in tone and can be used in both spoken and written Chinese, but it tends to appear more in written or formal contexts, especially in idiomatic expressions or literary descriptions.

Example Sentences

He accidentally stepped on the flowers in the flowerbed.

We dance by stepping to the rhythm.

He embarked on a new journey, full of anticipation.