躇

chú
著 + 𧾷
Frequency#3322

Definitions

chú used in 躊躇|踌躇[chóu chú]

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 足 represents the meaning and 著 represents the sound.

Semantic: 足 Phonetic: 著

About

The character 躇, primarily encountered in the compound 踌躇, derives from classical Chinese usage where it denoted a physical act of pacing or faltering, directly reflected in its semantic component 足, meaning foot. Its phonetic and semantic element 著, meaning to show or manifest, combines with 足 to suggest a displayed hesitation in movement. Historically, the term described literal foot-dragging or lingering, but its meaning gradually shifted to emphasize psychological indecision or reluctance, while the character's graphical structure of 足 and 著 has remained unchanged.

Example Sentences Hide

他在门口踌躇。

Ta zai menkou chouchu.

He hesitates at the door.

我踌躇了一会儿。

Wo chouchule yihuir.

I hesitated for a moment.

她面对选择时总是踌躇。

Ta miandui xuanze shi zongshi chouchu.

She always hesitates when facing choices.

不要踌躇，赶紧行动吧。

Buyao chouchu, ganjin xingdong ba.

Don't hesitate, act quickly.

他在重要决定前踌躇不定。

Ta zai zhongyao jueding qian chouchu bu ding.

He hesitates undecidedly before important decisions.

尽管有些踌躇，他还是接受了邀请。

Jinguan youxie chouchu, ta haishi jieshoule yaoqing.

Although somewhat hesitant, he still accepted the invitation.

投资者对市场波动感到踌躇。

Touzi zhe dui shichang bodong gandao chouchu.

Investors feel hesitant about market fluctuations.

在人生的十字路口，他踌躇良久才做出选择。

Zai rensheng de shizi lukou, ta chouchu liangjiu cai zuochu xuanze.

At the crossroads of life, he hesitated for a long time before making a choice.

Related Characters

Component: 著

路 跟 跑 跳 距 跃 踪 践 跌 踏 跨 跪 踢 躁

Example Words

踌躇 踌躇满志 踟躇 踌躇不前