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.
我们一步一步学汉语。
We learn Chinese step by step.
Words in this phrase
一
yī
[ee]
one
Repeated for emphasis in the expression 'step by step.'
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.
步
bù
[boo]
step
Used in sequence to describe gradual progress.
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.
一
yī
[ee]
one
Repeated for emphasis in the expression 'step by step.'
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.
步
bù
[boo]
step
Used in sequence to describe gradual progress.
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.
来
lái
[lye]
come; proceed
Here it means to proceed or handle something in a certain way.
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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