bou6 hang4步行
Jyutpingbou6 hang4
Yalebouh hàhng
Definition
To walk; to go on foot by stepping forward alternately at a normal pace.
neutraldaily actionstransport
How it's used
步行 is a formal or semi-formal term that sounds more like a written instruction or a news report than everyday speech. In casual conversation, people almost always use 行路 instead. Using 步行 in a relaxed setting can make you sound like you are reading from a sign or a map.
Examples
It is very quick to walk to the MTR station from here.
Are you walking to work today?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 步行 in casual conversation where 行路 is the natural choice. While 步行 is perfectly understood, it carries a slightly stiff or official tone that does not fit well with friends or family.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
