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How to Say ‘Step by step’ in Simplified Chinese

一步一步来

yī bù yī bù lái

[ee boo ee boo lye]

💬 Usage Tip: The pattern [A 一 A 一] often means doing something little by little: [一步一步来], [一点一点学]. It is useful for giving calm, manageable advice.

Phrase Breakdown

一步一步

yī bù yī bù

step by step

Shows doing something gradually, one step at a time.

Example

我们一步一步学汉语。

We learn Chinese step by step.

Words in this phrase

[ee]

one

Repeated for emphasis in the expression 'step by step.'

Example

运动习惯不要突然增加,要一一步一步来。

Don't suddenly increase exercise habits; do it step by step.

[boo]

step

Used in sequence to describe gradual progress.

Example

每一步都做好,血糖管理会更稳定。

If each step is done well, blood sugar management will be more stable.

[ee]

one

Repeated for emphasis in the expression 'step by step.'

Example

运动习惯不要突然增加,要一一步一步来。

Don't suddenly increase exercise habits; do it step by step.

[boo]

step

Used in sequence to describe gradual progress.

Example

每一步都做好,血糖管理会更稳定。

If each step is done well, blood sugar management will be more stable.

lái

[lye]

come; proceed

Here it means to proceed or handle something in a certain way.

Example

控制血糖要一步一步来,不要给自己太大压力。

Managing blood sugar should be done step by step; don't put too much pressure on yourself.

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