步骤 (bù zhòu) means 'step' or 'stage' in a sequence — especially in a process, procedure, or set of instructions. It is a compound noun formed from 步 (bù), meaning 'step' or 'pace', and 骤 (zhòu), which originally meant 'sudden movement' but here functions as a bound morpheme reinforcing the idea of a distinct, ordered stage. Together, they emphasize a clearly defined, sequential unit within a larger plan or task.

This word is commonly used in formal, instructional, or technical contexts — such as cooking recipes, software tutorials, scientific methods, or bureaucratic procedures. While it can refer to physical steps (e.g., walking), its primary modern usage is abstract: each 'step' represents a logical, actionable part of a process. It is rarely used for literal footsteps (use 步子 or 步伐 instead) and almost never appears in casual speech without reference to a structured activity.