Meaning and Usage
"退步" literally means "to step back" but is commonly used to describe a decline or deterioration in ability, performance, or condition compared to before. It often implies a negative change, such as worsening skills, health, or academic results.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used in educational settings to talk about declining grades or learning progress, in sports or skills to indicate loss of proficiency, and in health contexts to describe worsening physical condition.
Collocations and Patterns
- 退步了 (tuìbù le): indicates that a decline has occurred.
- 学习退步 (xuéxí tuìbù): decline in learning or academic performance.
- 技能退步 (jìnéng tuìbù): deterioration of skills.
Usage Notes
"退步" is generally negative and used to express concern or disappointment. It contrasts with "进步" (jìnbù), which means "to improve" or "make progress." Avoid confusing these two as they represent opposite directions of change.
Summary
Use "退步" when you want to describe that someone or something is doing worse than before, whether in ability, health, or performance. It is a useful word to express setbacks or regressions in various contexts.