Hesitation or uncertainty that causes delay in action or decision-making.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Showing hesitation or uncertainty before acting.
- Expresses indecisiveness and a wavering state.
- Common in decision-making and action-oriented contexts.
Overview
迟疑是一个形容词，用来描述一个人在面对选择、行动或表达观点时所表现出的犹豫、不确定或拖延的状态。这种状态可能源于多种原因，包括对结果的担忧、缺乏明确的判断依据、内心的矛盾，或是对外部情况的评估尚未完成。它强调的是一种心理上的不确定感和行动上的停滞。
迟疑通常用作谓语或定语。作为谓语时，它常跟在主语后面，如“他显得有些迟疑”。作为定语时，它修饰名词，如“他迟疑的脚步”、“她迟疑的回答”。它也可以用于描述一种持续的状态，例如“不要迟疑，立即行动”。在口语和书面语中都广泛使用，但更侧重于描述一种内在的心理活动。
迟疑这个词经常出现在需要做出选择或采取行动的场景中。例如，在求职面试中，面试官可能会观察应聘者回答问题时的迟疑。在做重要决定时，比如是否要接受一个提议或是否要改变生活方向，人们可能会表现出迟疑。在一些需要快速反应的情况下，如紧急救援，迟疑可能会带来负面后果。它也常用于文学作品中，描绘人物内心的挣扎和矛盾。
彷徨 (pánghuáng) 指迷茫、不知往哪里去，带有更强烈的迷失感和不确定感，常用于描述人生方向或目标上的困惑。迟疑则更具体地指向某个行动或决定前的犹豫。
犹豫 (yóuyù) 和迟疑 (chíyí) 非常相似，都表示犹豫不决。但犹豫更侧重于在两个或多个选择之间摇摆不定，强调的是选择的困难。而迟疑更侧重于行动上的不确定或延迟，可能是在开始行动前的一种停顿或观望。
踌躇 (chóuchú) 强调因顾虑或犹豫而徘徊不前，有停顿、徘徊的意思。它比迟疑更具行动上的停滞感，有时也带有“得意”或“自得”的含义（如“踌躇满志”），但在这个语境下，我们主要关注其“犹豫不前”的意思。
Examples
在做出最终决定前，他迟疑了片刻。
everydayHe hesitated for a moment before making the final decision.
面对如此重大的选择，任何人都会感到迟疑。
formalFaced with such a significant choice, anyone would feel hesitant.
他站在门口，有点迟疑，不知道该不该进去。
informalHe stood at the door, a bit hesitant, unsure if he should go in.
研究人员在得出结论时，对数据的解读表现出了一定的迟疑。
academicThe researchers showed some hesitation in interpreting the data before drawing conclusions.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
迟疑不定
hesitant and undecided
迟疑观望
hesitate and wait and see
迟疑不决
hesitate indecisively
Often Confused With
Hesitation (迟疑) often implies a pause or delay in action due to uncertainty, while indecision (犹豫) more strongly emphasizes the difficulty in choosing between alternatives.
Chouchu (踌躇) suggests pacing back and forth or lingering due to hesitation or deliberation, often implying a more pronounced standstill than Chiyi (迟疑).
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Hesitation (迟疑) is a common adjective used in both spoken and written Chinese. It generally carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of promptness or decisiveness. While it can describe a momentary pause, it often suggests a more prolonged state of uncertainty.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using '迟疑' when someone is simply thinking or considering options without any actual hesitation or delay in action. Ensure the context clearly indicates uncertainty or a reluctance to proceed.
Tips
Embrace Decisive Action
Overcoming hesitation often involves breaking down tasks and focusing on the immediate next step. Practice making small, quick decisions to build confidence.
Beware of Overthinking
Excessive hesitation, or 'analysis paralysis,' can prevent progress. Recognize when you have enough information to proceed, even if not perfect.
Cultural Nuances in Hesitation
In some cultures, directness is valued, and hesitation might be perceived negatively. In others, a more thoughtful, less immediate response might be preferred.
Word Origin
The character '迟' (chí) means 'late' or 'slow', and '疑' (yí) means 'doubt' or 'suspect'. Together, they literally mean 'late doubt', conveying the sense of doubting or hesitating, thus causing delay.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, while decisiveness is often admired, a moment of hesitation before a significant decision can also be seen as a sign of thoughtfulness and responsibility, rather than just weakness.
Memory Tip
Think of someone 'chipping' away at a decision (迟疑 - chíyí), taking small, hesitant steps instead of a big leap.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions迟疑更侧重于行动上的不确定或延迟，可能是在开始行动前的一种停顿。犹豫则更侧重于在多个选项之间摇摆不定，强调选择的困难。
迟疑可以用作谓语（如“他迟疑了”）或定语（如“他迟疑的态度”）。它也可以用于描述一种状态，例如“不要迟疑”。
不一定。虽然迟疑常常暗示着效率低下或缺乏果断，但在某些情况下，适度的迟疑可能是审慎的表现，比如在做出重要决定前需要时间思考和评估。
是的，例如“犹豫不决”、“踌躇不前”等都与迟疑的意思相近，都表达了在行动或决定上的不确定和停滞。
Test Yourself
面对这个突如其来的问题，他显得有些______，一时不知如何作答。
句子描述了“不知如何作答”的状态，这与“迟疑”所表达的犹豫不决相符。
下列哪个选项最能体现“迟疑”？
选项b描述了在做决定时犹豫不定的状态，这正是“迟疑”的核心含义。
请将以下词语组成一个通顺的句子：她 / 机会 / 抓住 / 迟疑
选项c表明因为“迟疑”，导致“没有抓住机会”，逻辑通顺，符合“迟疑”的含义。
Score: /3
Summary
Hesitation or uncertainty that causes delay in action or decision-making.
- Showing hesitation or uncertainty before acting.
- Expresses indecisiveness and a wavering state.
- Common in decision-making and action-oriented contexts.
Embrace Decisive Action
Overcoming hesitation often involves breaking down tasks and focusing on the immediate next step. Practice making small, quick decisions to build confidence.
Beware of Overthinking
Excessive hesitation, or 'analysis paralysis,' can prevent progress. Recognize when you have enough information to proceed, even if not perfect.
Cultural Nuances in Hesitation
In some cultures, directness is valued, and hesitation might be perceived negatively. In others, a more thoughtful, less immediate response might be preferred.
Examples
4 of 4在做出最终决定前，他迟疑了片刻。
He hesitated for a moment before making the final decision.
面对如此重大的选择，任何人都会感到迟疑。
Faced with such a significant choice, anyone would feel hesitant.
他站在门口，有点迟疑，不知道该不该进去。
He stood at the door, a bit hesitant, unsure if he should go in.
研究人员在得出结论时，对数据的解读表现出了一定的迟疑。
The researchers showed some hesitation in interpreting the data before drawing conclusions.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
