walk, counter for steps
歩 centers on the act of walking or stepping, and by extension serves as a counter for steps.
歩 originally depicted a left and right foot alternating, representing the act of walking. The modern form simplifies the lower foot into 少.
The top 止 means stop, and the bottom 少 looks like a few small steps. Imagine stopping after a few small steps, then walking again: 歩 is walking.
For ホ, imagine a person walking and letting out a soft 'ho' sound with each step: ho -> ホ.
to walk
step; stride
walking; going on foot
walk; stroll
progress; advance; improvement; development
walking; walk
walking
footpath; walkway; sidewalk; pavement
to walk; to go on foot
infantry; infantryman; foot soldier
first step
concession; conciliation; compromise
basics; rudiments; elements; ABCs of ...
footbridge; pedestrian bridge; pedestrian overpass
to walk about; to walk around; to walk to and fro; to pace around; to wander
rate; ratio; percentage
pace; step; cadence
compromise; concession
racewalking; race walking; walking race
to compromise; to meet halfway
taking on a life of its own (of a rumour, etc.)
snail's pace; slow progress
walk; promenade
(a) step; one step