Meanings of 躇
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 躇
Podcast: 躇
Podcast: 躇
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 躇
犹豫 (yóuyù, hesitate) vs 躇 (chú, hesitate) — use 躇 for a more nuanced or literary context, while 犹豫 is more common in everyday language.
Imagine a person standing at a crossroads, their feet rooted in hesitation as they ponder which path to take. The radical '身' (body) suggests a physical presence, while '辶' (walking) implies movement that is stalled, perfectly capturing the essence of 'hesitating'.
Common mistakes include confusing 躇 with other characters that have similar meanings, like 犹 (yóu), which also conveys hesitation but in different contexts. This word can be used in both formal and informal settings, often appearing in literary or reflective discussions about decision-making.
Although 躇 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 5 words like 犹豫 (yóuyù, to hesitate) and 选择 (xuǎnzé, to choose). Students should focus on understanding the nuances of hesitation and indecision expressed through different characters.
In Chinese culture, the concept of hesitation can be linked to the idea of taking time to reflect before making important decisions, emphasizing a thoughtful approach rather than impulsive action.
Learners often confuse 躇 with similar-sounding characters, leading to incorrect uses like 脂 (zhī, fat) instead of 躇. Remember that 躇 specifically relates to hesitation and indecision.
Pronunciation of 躇
Drill the tone of 躇 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 躇
Phonosemantic compound. 足 represents the meaning and 著 represents the sound.
foot
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 躇?
Decomposition of 躇
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 躇?
Write 躇
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 躇 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 躇
躇 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
菲尔信心十足地走向前去,本却踌____不定.
Phil walked forward confidently but something held Ben back.
Example Sentences for 躇 (2)
Cultural Notes for 躇
In Chinese culture, the concept of hesitation can be linked to the idea of taking time to reflect before making important decisions, emphasizing a thoughtful approach rather than impulsive action.
Word Family of 躇
Compound Meaning
What does 踌躇 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 躇
No, 躇 is more frequently found in literature or formal writing rather than in everyday speech.