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徊 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
徊huáito hesitatex, 9 strokes, radical 彳, Hard
徊huáito pace back and forthx, 9 strokes, radical 彳, Hard
徊huáiirresolutex, 9 strokes, radical 彳, Hard
徊huáito linger, to pace; irresolutex, 9 strokes, radical 彳, Hard
huái(huai2)huai T2
  1. 1to hesitate
  2. 2to pace back and forth
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March 24, 2026

徊huái(huai2)

The character 徊 (huái) means to hesitate or to linger, often reflecting a sense of indecision. It implies a physical or metaphorical pacing back and forth, symbolizing uncertainty or reluctance to make a decision. Commonly used in contexts where one is unsure or hesitant about a choice.

Strokes9Radical彳Frequency#3020DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, hesitation can be viewed negatively, often associated with a lack of decisiveness or confidence. This character highlights the cultural value placed on making quick and confident decisions, especially in business and social interactions.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person pacing back and forth in a hallway (the character's left side resembles a person moving). They are torn between two doors, representing hesitation. The sound 'huái' can remind you of the word 'why,' as in 'why can't I decide?'

Meanings of 徊

huái(huai2)
1to hesitate
2to pace back and forth
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 徊

徊Simplified
9Strokes
彳Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 徊

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Podcast: 徊

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AI Study Notes for 徊

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 徊 with similar-sounding characters. It is more common in literary contexts and less so in everyday speech. Be cautious with tone; the second tone 'huái' can easily be mispronounced as the first tone, which changes the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

Although not included in the HSK levels, 徊 connects with other vocabulary related to emotions and decision-making. Focus on using it in phrases about indecision or hesitation, as it pairs well with verbs like 'to think' (想) and 'to choose' (选择).

Common Mistakes

Learners often mix up 徊 (huái) with 徘 (pái), which changes the meaning to 'to pace back and forth.' A common mistake is saying '我在这里徘' instead of '我在这里徊,' incorrectly dropping the tone which alters the word completely.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 徊

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Etymology of 徊

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

To pace 彳 back and forth 回; 回 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 徊?

Decomposition of 徊

IDS Structure⿰彳回
徊Full Character
=
彳chi4
left
回hui2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 徊?

How to say to hesitate in Chinese

“to hesitate” in Chinese is徊huái

The character 徊 (huái) means to hesitate or to linger, often reflecting a sense of indecision. It implies a physical or metaphorical pacing back and forth, symbolizing uncertainty or reluctance to make a decision. Commonly used in contexts where one is unsure or hesitant about a choice.

When to use 徊

Learners often confuse 徊 with similar-sounding characters. It is more common in literary contexts and less so in everyday speech. Be cautious with tone; the second tone 'huái' can easily be mispronounced as the first tone, which changes the meaning.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mix up 徊 (huái) with 徘 (pái), which changes the meaning to 'to pace back and forth.' A common mistake is saying '我在这里徘' instead of '我在这里徊,' incorrectly dropping the tone which alters the word completely.

Write 徊

徊

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

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Grammar Patterns of 徊

徊 carries 4 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 2

Fill the gap

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

很多人在查令十字路和丹麦街周围徘____。

Dozens of people milled around Charing Cross Road and Denmark Street.

Example Sentences for 徊 (2)

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1
很多人在查令十字路和丹麦街周围徘徊。

hěn duō rén zài chá líng shí zì lù hé dān mài jiē zhōu wéi pái huái。

Dozens of people milled around Charing Cross Road and Denmark Street.
2
贝茜身穿华丽的深蓝色天鹅绒衣服,在桌旁徘徊。

bèi qiàn shēn chuān huá lì de shēn lán sè tiān é róng yī fú, , zài zhuō páng pái。

Bessie, resplendent in royal blue velvet, was hovering beside the table.

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Word Family of 徊

Words Containing This Character2
徘徊páihuáito dither
徊huáito hesitate
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 徊

What does 徘徊 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 徊

You can say '他在门口徘徊' (He is lingering at the door) to express someone hesitating.

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