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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Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
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
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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
Podcast: 躅
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AI Study Notes for 躅
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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
Complete the Sentence
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.
tā mén zài sī luò pō yī shēng jiā bái sè dà lǐ shí tái jiē qián yòu zhí zhú le yī huì ér.
They lingered a moment at the foot of Doctor Sloper's white marble steps.
Cultural Notes for 躅
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 躅
Words Containing This Character2
踯躅to tread躑躅
躅zhúto hesitate
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
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.
It is more commonly found in literary or formal contexts rather than casual conversation.
