徬 (páng) - To hesitate & to waver

徬Tone 2

páng ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

柠七

徬 · páng

To hesitate;

to waver;

to be indecisive;

to pace back and forth in uncertainty.

To hesitateto waverto be indecisive

Usage highlights

To hesitate and waverTo pace back and forthFeeling lost and uncertainAt a crossroads in lifeIndecisive and hesitantWandering aimlessly

Synonyms

  • 徘徊— to pace back and forth; to hesitate
  • 犹豫— to hesitate; to be indecisive
  • 迟疑— to hesitate; to delay

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He hesitated at the crossroads (在十字路口徬徨).
  • She paced back and forth in the room (在房间里徬徨).
  • Many young people feel lost after graduation (毕业后感到徬徨).
  • Faced with important decisions, one often feels hesitant (面对重要决定时常感到徬徨).

Collocations

  • To hesitate and waver(徬徨)
  • To pace back and forth(徬徨徘徊)
  • Feeling lost and uncertain(徬徨无措)
  • At a crossroads in life(人生徬徨)
  • Indecisive and hesitant(犹豫徬徨)
  • Wandering aimlessly(徬徨游荡)

Idioms

  • To hesitate and not know which way to turn(徬徨失措)
  • Wandering aimlessly without direction(徬徨歧路)
  • Pacing back and forth in hesitation(徬徨徘徊)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 徬 originally depicted walking back and forth, representing hesitation and uncertainty.
  • In classical Chinese literature, 徬徨 often describes the psychological state of being lost or uncertain about life choices.
  • The character reflects the traditional Confucian emphasis on careful consideration before action.

FAQ