Meanings of 徘徊
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Podcast: 徘徊
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AI study notes for 徘徊
徘徊 (pái huái) vs 逗留 (dòu liú) — use 徘徊 when emphasizing indecision or hesitation, while 逗留 focuses more on the act of staying or lingering in a place.
A common mistake is using 徘徊 in overly formal contexts; it is more suitable for conversational or narrative situations. Be cautious with the tones; using the wrong tone may change the meaning entirely. Common collocations include '徘徊在...' (hovering around...) or '在...徘徊' (dithering at...).
As an HSK Level 6 word, 徘徊 is relevant for learners exploring more nuanced expressions of behavior and emotion. Connecting this word to other HSK 6 verbs that express uncertainty or indecision, such as 犹豫 (yóu yù, to hesitate), can enhance vocabulary retention.
Learners often confuse 徘徊 with similar verbs like 漫步 (màn bù, to stroll), which implies a leisurely walk rather than hesitation. For example, saying '我在街上漫步' (I am lingering on the street) instead of '我在街上徘徊' can change the intended meaning.
Pronunciation of 徘徊
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Component characters
How to say to dither in Chinese
“to dither” in Chinese is徘徊
The verb 徘徊 (pái huái) describes the act of moving back and forth in a hesitant manner, often indicative of indecision or uncertainty. It can also imply lingering in a place without a clear purpose. This word is commonly used in contexts where someone is contemplating a decision or feeling lost.
When to use 徘徊
A common mistake is using 徘徊 in overly formal contexts; it is more suitable for conversational or narrative situations. Be cautious with the tones; using the wrong tone may change the meaning entirely. Common collocations include '徘徊在...' (hovering around...) or '在...徘徊' (dithering at...).
徘徊 or something close to it
徘徊 (pái huái) vs 逗留 (dòu liú) — use 徘徊 when emphasizing indecision or hesitation, while 逗留 focuses more on the act of staying or lingering in a place.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 徘徊 with similar verbs like 漫步 (màn bù, to stroll), which implies a leisurely walk rather than hesitation. For example, saying '我在街上漫步' (I am lingering on the street) instead of '我在街上徘徊' can change the intended meaning.
Write 徘徊
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Grammar patterns of 徘徊
徘徊 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 5 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.
Fill the gap
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很多人在查令十字路和丹麦街周围____。
Dozens of people milled around Charing Cross Road and Denmark Street.
Example sentences for 徘徊 (2)
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Frequently asked questions about 徘徊
Generally, 徘徊 has a negative connotation, suggesting indecision or aimlessness, so it is rarely used positively.
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