tiny step; the slightest distance or progress
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesnoun
a tiny step; the slightest distance
literaryOriginally, 寸 was an ancient unit of length. This term is used literally to describe a very short physical distance.
Zài在
bù布
mǎn满
jīng荆
jí棘
de的
xiǎo小
lù路
shàng上
，
wǒ我
men们
cùn寸
bù步
nán难
xíng行
。
On the path covered in thorns, we could hardly take a single step forward.
Zhè这
ge个
yīng婴
ér儿
jǐn紧
jǐn紧
de地
gēn跟
zhe着
mā妈
ma妈
，
cùn寸
bù步
bù不
lí离
。
The baby followed its mother closely, not straying even a single step.
noun
the slightest progress or leeway; any room for movement
A metaphorical extension, often used in negative contexts like 寸步不让, 寸步难行, or 寸土不让.
Zài在
yuán原
zé则
wèn问
tí题
shàng上
，
wǒ我
men们
cùn寸
bù步
bù不
ràng让
。
We will not yield an inch on matters of principle.
Méi没
yǒu有
zī资
jīn金
，
zhè这
ge个
xiàng项
mù目
cùn寸
bù步
nán难
xíng行
。
Without funding, this project cannot make the slightest progress.