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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'running' with the separable verb 跑步 (pǎo bù)

    Actions & Events
    Manner & Method

    Structure

    跑 + (Modifier) + 步

    Explanation

    跑步 (pǎo bù) is a separable verb meaning "to run" or "to jog" as a form of exercise. Because it is separable, elements like 了 or duration phrases can be inserted between 跑 and 步. For example, 跑了三十分钟的步 means "ran for thirty minutes."

    Examples

    • 我每天早上跑半个小时的步。

      wǒ měitiān zǎoshang pǎo bàn gè xiǎoshí de bù.

      I run for half an hour every morning.

    • 昨天下雨了，所以没跑成步。

      zuótiān xiàyǔ le, suǒyǐ méi pǎo chéng bù.

      It rained yesterday, so I didn't get to run.

    • 她已经坚持跑了三年的步了。

      tā yǐjīng jiānchí pǎo le sān nián de bù le.

      She has been running consistently for three years.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing 'running' with the separable verb 跑步 (pǎo bù) | Chinese Grammar