逡 (qūn) - to retreat & to shrink back

逡Tone 1

qūn ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical: 辵

情仁

逡 · qūn

to retreat;

to shrink back;

to hesitate;

to yield

to retreatto shrink backto hesitate

Usage highlights

to hesitate to advanceto shrink back and look aroundto retreat and yieldhesitant and shrinkingto pace back and forth hesitantlyto hesitate at the door

Synonyms

  • 退— to retreat; to withdraw
  • 缩— to shrink; to contract
  • 犹豫— to hesitate; to waver

Antonyms

  • 进— to advance; to move forward
  • 前— forward; ahead
  • 勇— brave; courageous

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He hesitated to advance (逡巡不前).
  • The army retreated in the face of superior forces (逡巡而退).
  • She showed a shrinking attitude (逡巡之态).
  • They yielded out of respect (逡巡而让).

Collocations

  • to hesitate to advance(逡巡不前)
  • to shrink back and look around(逡巡四顾)
  • to retreat and yield(逡巡而退)
  • hesitant and shrinking(逡巡畏缩)
  • to pace back and forth hesitantly(逡巡往复)
  • to hesitate at the door(逡巡门外)

Idioms

  • To hesitate and not dare to advance(逡巡不前)
  • To pace back and forth in hesitation(逡巡往复)
  • To shrink back and look around cautiously(逡巡四顾)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 逡 appears in classical Chinese texts describing cautious or respectful retreat.
  • The character conveys a sense of deliberate hesitation, often with connotations of prudence or respect rather than cowardice.
  • In historical contexts, 逡巡 described the proper behavior of officials showing deference to superiors.

FAQ