# 安步当车

ān bù dàng chē

Walk calmly instead of taking transport

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Use leisurely steps as a carriage

**Traditional Chinese:** 安步當車

**Register:** Relaxed · literary

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Describe choosing unhurried walking.

Usually voluntary and relaxed, not forced exhaustion.

## Understanding the expression

Slow, steady steps replace the comfort of a carriage. The expression values an unhurried walk rather than treating travel only as speed and convenience. Modern use often appears when someone chooses to walk a short route, enjoy scenery, or save a ride. It sounds literary and relaxed. A long difficult journey on foot is different, because the image suggests a manageable pace and some willingness to enjoy the movement itself.

## Examples

天气好，我们安步当车。

### Traditional Chinese

天氣好，我們安步當車。

tiān qì hǎo ， wǒ men ān bù dàng chē 。

In good weather, we choose a leisurely walk.

她安步当车，走到图书馆。

### Traditional Chinese

她安步當車，走到圖書館。

tā ān bù dàng chē ， zǒu dào tú shū guǎn 。

She walks calmly to the library instead of riding.

饭后安步当车，顺便看夜景。

### Traditional Chinese

飯後安步當車，順便看夜景。

fàn hòu ān bù dàng chē ， shùn biàn kàn yè jǐng 。

We stroll after dinner and enjoy the night view.

不赶时间，就安步当车吧。

### Traditional Chinese

不趕時間，就安步當車吧。

bù gǎn shí jiān ， jiù ān bù dàng chē ba 。

If we are not in a hurry, let us walk leisurely.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%AE%89%E6%AD%A5%E7%95%B6%E8%BB%8A)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=257&webMd=1&la=0)

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