(zhí) - To pace back and forth & to hesitate

Tone 2

zhí | 15 strokes | radical:

· zhí

To pace back and forth;

to hesitate;

to walk to and fro.

To pace back and forthto hesitateto walk to and fro.

Usage highlights

Pace back and forthHesitate to move forwardWalk to and froLingering stepsHesitant paceWander aimlessly

Synonyms

  • 徘徊to pace back and forth; to hesitate
  • 犹豫to hesitate; to be indecisive
  • 彷徨to wander aimlessly; to hesitate

Antonyms

  • 果断decisive; resolute
  • 坚决firm; determined
  • 前进to advance; to move forward

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He paced back and forth in the room (在房间里踯躅).
  • She hesitated at the crossroads (在十字路口踯躅不前).
  • The old man walked to and fro in the courtyard (老人在院子里踯躅).
  • The project is stuck in hesitation (项目在踯躅中停滞).

Collocations

  • Pace back and forth(踯躅)
  • Hesitate to move forward(踯躅不前)
  • Walk to and fro(踯躅而行)
  • Lingering steps(踯躅的脚步)
  • Hesitant pace(踯躅的步履)
  • Wander aimlessly(踯躅徘徊)

Idioms

  • Hesitate and not advance(踯躅不前)
  • Pace back and forth in hesitation(踯躅徘徊)
  • Wander aimlessly(踯躅独行)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 踯 often appears in classical Chinese literature to describe hesitation or indecision.
  • It is commonly used in poetic contexts to convey a sense of melancholy or uncertainty.
  • In modern usage, it retains its classical flavor and is less common in everyday speech.

FAQ