staircase; ladder; stepping stone
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
stairs; steps; ladder
The literal meaning, referring to physical structures used for ascending.
Zhè这
zuò座
gǔ古
bǎo堡
de的
shí石
tou头
jiē阶
tī梯
hěn很
dǒu陡
qiào峭
。
The stone staircase of this ancient castle is very steep.
Gōng工
rén人
men们
yòng用
lǚ铝
hé合
jīn金
jiē阶
tī梯
pá爬
shàng上
wū屋
dǐng顶
。
The workers used an aluminum ladder to climb onto the roof.
noun
stepping stone; means of advancement; pathway to success
formalUsed metaphorically for opportunities, resources, or stages that help one progress, especially in education, career, or personal development.
Jiào教
yù育
shì是
gǎi改
biàn变
mìng命
yùn运
de的
zhòng重
yào要
jiē阶
tī梯
。
Education is an important stepping stone to changing one's destiny.
Zhè这
běn本
shū书
wèi为
tā他
tí提
gōng供
le了
jìn进
rù入
xué学
shù术
jiè界
de的
jiē阶
tī梯
。
This book provided him with a pathway into the academic world.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Zài在
gōng公
sī司
lǐ里
，
měi每
gè个
xiàng项
mù目
dōu都
shì是
jìn晋
shēng升
de的
jiē阶
tī梯
。
Within the company, every project is a stepping stone for promotion.