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躅 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
躅zhúto walk carefully; to hesitate, to falterx, 20 strokes, radical 足
躅zhúwalk carefullyunknown, 20 strokes, radical 足
躅zhúto halterunknown, 20 strokes, radical 足
zhú(zhu2)zhu T2
  1. 1to walk carefully; to hesitate, to falter
  2. 2walk carefully
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March 24, 2026

躅zhú(zhu2)

The character 躅 (zhú) means to walk carefully or to hesitate. It is often used in contexts where one is cautious in movement or uncertain about a decision. This word conveys a sense of deliberation and caution, often implying that one is not rushing forward.

Strokes20Radical足
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese culture, carefulness in action and speech is often valued, as it reflects respect for others and the situation. The concept of being cautious is deeply ingrained in social interactions.

Memory tip

Imagine a cautious person tiptoeing across a tightrope, hesitating with every step. The character 躅 features the radical '走' (to walk) combined with '卓', suggesting a careful or superior way of walking.

Meanings of 躅

zhú(zhu2)
1to walk carefully; to hesitate, to falter
2walk carefully
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 躅

躅Simplified
20Strokes
足Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 躅

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Podcast: 躅

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AI study notes for 躅

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 躅 with similar-sounding words that convey different levels of hesitation. It is generally used in more formal or literary contexts. Common collocations include 躅步 (walk carefully) and 躅躇 (hesitate).

HSK Study Tips

Although 躅 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to HSK level 4 and 5 words related to movement and decision-making, such as 走 (to walk) and 犹豫 (to hesitate). Focus on using it in contexts that involve cautious actions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 躅 in casual settings, where simpler terms like 走 or 停 might be more appropriate. For example, saying '我躅走' (I walk carefully) is awkward; '我走得很慢' (I walk slowly) is clearer.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 躅

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Etymology of 躅

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

foot

Semantic (meaning)蜀
+
Phonetic (sound)足
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

躅 = 蜀 + 足. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 躅

IDS Structure⿰足蜀
躅Full character
=
足ju4
left
蜀Shu3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 躅?

How to say to walk carefully; to hesitate, to falter in Chinese

“to walk carefully; to hesitate, to falter” in Chinese is躅zhú

The character 躅 (zhú) means to walk carefully or to hesitate. It is often used in contexts where one is cautious in movement or uncertain about a decision. This word conveys a sense of deliberation and caution, often implying that one is not rushing forward.

When to use 躅

Learners often confuse 躅 with similar-sounding words that convey different levels of hesitation. It is generally used in more formal or literary contexts. Common collocations include 躅步 (walk carefully) and 躅躇 (hesitate).

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 躅 in casual settings, where simpler terms like 走 or 停 might be more appropriate. For example, saying '我躅走' (I walk carefully) is awkward; '我走得很慢' (I walk slowly) is clearer.

Write 躅

躅

Practice writing 躅 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 躅

躅 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

他们在斯洛泼医生家白色大理石台阶前又踯____了一会儿.

They lingered a moment at the foot of Doctor Sloper's white marble steps.

Example sentences for 躅 (1)

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1
他们在斯洛泼医生家白色大理石台阶前又踯躅了一会儿.

tāmen zài Sī luò pō yīshēng jiā báisè dà lǐ dàn táijiē qián yòu zhí zhú le yíhuìr.

They lingered a moment at the foot of Doctor Sloper's white marble steps.

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Word Family of 躅

Words containing this character2
踯躅to tread躑躅
躅zhúto hesitate
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 躅

What does 踯躅 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 躅

While both imply hesitation, 躅 emphasizes careful movement, whereas 犹豫 focuses more on indecision.

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