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    Chinese Grammar

    Understanding the noun component 步 (bù) in the separable verb 跑步

    Description & Modification

    Structure

    跑 + (Modifier) + 步

    Explanation

    步 (bù) serves as the noun component in the separable verb 跑步 (to run/jog). When 跑步 is split, 步 functions as the object of 跑, allowing modifiers and aspect particles to be inserted between them. Understanding this separation is key to using 跑步 correctly in complex sentences.

    Examples

    • 今天跑的步比昨天多了两公里。

      jīntiān pǎo de bù bǐ zuótiān duō le liǎng gōnglǐ.

      I ran two more kilometers today than yesterday.

    • 你每天跑多长时间的步？

      nǐ měitiān pǎo duō cháng shíjiān de bù?

      How long do you run each day?

    • 他跑了一会儿步就觉得累了。

      tā pǎo le yíhuìr bù jiù juéde lèi le.

      He ran for a little while and already felt tired.

    Understanding the noun component 步 (bù) in the separable verb 跑步 | Chinese Grammar