步履蹒跚

步履蹣跚

bùlǚ-pánshān

idiom

Meanings

1 to walk unsteadily (idiom)
2 to hobble along; to totter

Characters

to tread; footstep

to stagger; limp

Examples

老人步履蹒跚地走过马路。

Lǎorén bùlǚpánshān de zǒuguò mǎlù.

The old man hobbled across the street.

这个行业近年来步履蹒跚。

Zhège hángyè jìnniánlái bùlǚpánshān.

This industry has stumbled along in recent years.

Tips

usage

Literal use: elderly/injured walking. Figurative: industries, reforms, projects moving slowly and uncertainly. Common extended sense.

Stroke Order

步 bù

履 lǚ

蹒 pán

跚 shān