Understanding "退步" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 退步
• Pinyin: tuìbù
• Literal Meaning: "retreat" (退) + "step" (步) → "to step backward"
• Primary Meaning: To regress, decline, or fall behind; can refer to a decrease in skills, performance, or progress.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "退步" is often used to describe a decline in ability, performance, or standards compared to a previous state. It can apply to academics, work, sports, or personal development.
• It carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that improvement or maintenance of standards was expected but not achieved.

• Can also be used in a self-reflective or motivational context, e.g., "Don’t let yourself regress."

• Character Breakdown:

• 退 (tuì): Means "to retreat," "to withdraw," or "to decline."
• 步 (bù): Means "step" or "pace." Together, they form the idea of "taking a step backward" figuratively.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 他的成绩最近退步了。
   Pinyin: Tā de chéngjì zuìjìn tuìbù le.
   English: His grades have declined recently.

2. Chinese: 如果不练习，你的中文会退步。
   Pinyin: Rúguǒ bù liànxí, nǐ de Zhōngwén huì tuìbù.
   English: If you don’t practice, your Chinese will regress.

3. Chinese: 公司去年的业绩没有退步，反而进步了。
   Pinyin: Gōngsī qùnián de yèjì méiyǒu tuìbù, fǎn’ér jìnbù le.
   English: The company’s performance last year didn’t decline—instead, it improved.

Cultural Notes

• In Chinese culture, continuous self-improvement (进步, jìnbù) is highly valued, especially in education and career. "退步" is often seen as a failure to meet expectations, whether personal or societal.
• Parents or teachers might use this word to encourage children or students to work harder if they notice a decline in performance.

Conclusion

"退步" (tuìbù) means to regress or decline, often in skills or performance. It’s a useful word to describe setbacks or warn against complacency. Remember: practice and effort help avoid "退步"!