About
The character 踌, traditionally written as 躊, originates from the semantic component 足, meaning foot, and the phonetic component 壽, which signifies longevity, collectively suggesting a slow or deliberate movement associated with the feet. Initially reflecting physical pacing, its meaning evolved through lexical specialization, becoming almost exclusively used in the compound 踌躇 to denote hesitation or indecision, thus shifting from a concrete action to an abstract psychological state. Structurally, while the traditional form's complex phonetic element was later simplified to 寿, the character maintains its phono-semantic nature, with the radical 足 continuing to anchor its connection to motion, illustrating how its semantic focus narrowed over time from general movement to specific expressions of uncertainty.
Example Sentences Hide
他踌躇着不敢进门。
她在选择专业时非常踌躇。
面对重大决定，他难免会踌躇一番。
看到他踌躇满志的样子，我们都为他高兴。
投资者对市场的未来走势感到踌躇不定。
在人生的十字路口，他的踌躇反映出了内心的矛盾。
复杂的局面使他不再踌躇，而是果断地采取了行动。
那份难以言说的踌躇，最终化作了深夜的一声叹息。