walk · step

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 歩 has 8 strokes and denotes walking or taking steps.
• Basic usage: 歩く is read あるく, and 散歩 is read さんぽ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A walking destination and route
  • 駅まで歩く means walking as far as the station.
  • 道をゆっくり歩いた means walking slowly along the road.
  • まで marks the destination reached, while を marks the route walked.
• Taking a stroll
  • 近所を散歩した means that someone took a stroll around the neighborhood.