踏步

tàbù

踏步 — tàbù

1. to march in place; to march on the spot; to step (in rhythm)

   士兵们在操场上踏步。 shìbīng men zài cāochǎngshàng tàbù — The soldiers are marching in place on the parade ground.

2. to step on the spot; to mark time (as in hesitation or waiting)

   他在门口踏步，等着朋友来接他。 tā zài ménkǒu tàbù děng zhe péngyǒu lái jiē tā — He was stepping on the spot at the door, waiting for his friend to pick him up.

3. at a standstill; not progressing

   进展一直踏步，项目迟迟没有完成。 jìnzhǎn yìzhí tàbù xiàngmù chíchí méiyǒu wánchéng — Progress has been at a standstill; the project has not been completed.