步
bù · HSK 3
walk
👣 步 = 止 (foot) on top + 少-like (other foot) below — two feet walking
Etymology: the top is 止 (a foot/footprint) and the bottom is a mirrored foot, so 步 depicts two feet in motion — hence step, pace, or a measure-word for an action or move.
步 — two feet: 止 (foot) on top + 止 inverted below
Originally a pictograph showing two footprints, one above the other, representing the act of walking step by step. The top 止 is a left foot and the bottom is a right foot, capturing alternating strides. The meaning extended from 'step' to 'pace,' 'stage,' or 'walk.'