nip6躡蹑
Jyutpingnip6
Yalenihp
Definition
To walk on tiptoe, sneak, or tread softly; to step or tread on.
- to walk on tiptoe; to sneak; to tread softly
- to step on; to tread on
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
The character 躡 is almost exclusively used in the reduplicated form 躡手躡腳 to describe moving stealthily or quietly. While it can mean to step on something, using it as a verb for stepping on an object is less common in everyday speech than 踩. It carries a specific nuance of cautious, light movement to avoid detection or noise.
Examples
He tiptoed into the room, afraid of waking people up.
Don't step on the cat, it's sleeping there.
Related words
Common phrases
tiptoeing; sneaking around
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 躡 with 踩. While both can mean to step on, 踩 is the standard, neutral verb for stepping on any surface or object, whereas 躡 focuses on the manner of movement, specifically the tiptoeing aspect.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
