(chóu) - To hesitate & to waver

Tone 2

chóu | 21 strokes | radical:

· chóu

To hesitate;

to waver;

to pace back and forth;

to linger.

To hesitateto waverto pace back and forth

Usage highlights

HesitateHesitate to advancePace back and forthBe undecidedFull of confidenceHesitate in making a decision

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He hesitated at the door (在门口躊躇).
  • She paced back and forth in the room (在房间里躊躇).
  • They lingered over the decision (对决定躊躇不前).
  • He was hesitant to speak out (他躊躇着不敢说出来).

Collocations

  • Hesitate(躊躇)
  • Hesitate to advance(躊躇不前)
  • Pace back and forth(躊躇徘徊)
  • Be undecided(躊躇不定)
  • Full of confidence(毫不躊躇)
  • Hesitate in making a decision(躊躇不决)

Idioms

  • Hesitate to move forward(躊躇不前)
  • Full of confidence and determination(毫不躊躇)
  • Be irresolute and hesitant(躊躇未决)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character depicts the action of pacing back and forth when uncertain or hesitant.
  • Often used in classical Chinese literature to describe characters' psychological states of indecision.
  • Represents a contemplative state in traditional Chinese culture, where careful consideration is valued over hasty decisions.

FAQ