Meanings of 徘
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 徘
Podcast: 徘
Podcast: 徘
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 徘
徘 (pái) vs 彷徨 (páng huáng) — use 徘 for physical pacing, while 彷徨 emphasizes emotional indecision.
Learners often confuse 徘 with similar-sounding words, so it’s important to remember its specific meaning of hesitation. Use this term in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in discussions about decision-making. Common collocations include phrases like '徘徊不前' (pái huái bù qián) meaning 'to hesitate and not move forward.'
Although 徘 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other HSK words that convey indecision or movement, such as 走 (zǒu, to walk) and 往 (wǎng, towards). Focus on recognizing the nuance of hesitation in various contexts to enhance your vocabulary.
A common mistake is to confuse 徘 with the character 徘 in different contexts, such as using it as a synonym for 'to wait' (等, děng). Correct usage would be to describe someone who is indecisive, not just someone who is pausing.
Pronunciation of 徘
Drill the tone of 徘 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 徘
Phonosemantic compound. 彳 represents the meaning and 非 represents the sound.
step
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 徘
Phonosemantic compound. 彳 represents the meaning and 非 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half彳 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half非 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaystep
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 徘? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 徘?
Decomposition of 徘
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 徘?
How to say irresolute in Chinese
“irresolute” in Chinese is徘
The character 徘 (pái) conveys the idea of being indecisive or hesitant. It often describes the action of pacing back and forth, reflecting a state of uncertainty or reluctance to make a decision. This term is commonly used in contexts where one is unable to commit to a choice or direction.
When to use 徘
Learners often confuse 徘 with similar-sounding words, so it’s important to remember its specific meaning of hesitation. Use this term in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in discussions about decision-making. Common collocations include phrases like '徘徊不前' (pái huái bù qián) meaning 'to hesitate and not move forward.'
徘 or something close to it
徘 (pái) vs 彷徨 (páng huáng) — use 徘 for physical pacing, while 彷徨 emphasizes emotional indecision.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is to confuse 徘 with the character 徘 in different contexts, such as using it as a synonym for 'to wait' (等, děng). Correct usage would be to describe someone who is indecisive, not just someone who is pausing.
Write 徘
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 徘 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 徘
徘 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
很多人在查令十字路和丹麦街周围____徊。
Dozens of people milled around Charing Cross Road and Denmark Street.
Example Sentences for 徘 (2)
Word Family of 徘
Compound Meaning
What does 徘徊 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 徘
It is pronounced as 'pái'.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 徘?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.