犹豫再三 in 30 Seconds
- A formal idiom meaning to hesitate repeatedly or think twice before acting.
- Used for significant decisions, emphasizing the mental process of doubt.
- Commonly paired with '最后还是' (finally still) to show the eventual outcome.
- Avoid using with '很' or for very trivial, small everyday choices.
The Chinese four-character idiom 犹豫再三 (yóuyù zàisān) is a sophisticated way to describe a state of profound indecision or the act of weighing a choice multiple times before coming to a conclusion. At its core, the term is composed of two distinct parts: 犹豫 (yóuyù), which means 'to hesitate' or 'to be irresolute,' and 再三 (zàisān), which literally translates to 'again and third' but idiomatically means 'over and over' or 'repeatedly.' When combined, they create a vivid picture of someone caught in a mental tug-of-war, unable to commit to a path without exhaustive deliberation.
- Psychological Depth
- This expression is not used for trivial, split-second pauses. It implies a significant internal struggle. When you use 犹豫再三, you are suggesting that the stakes are high enough to warrant serious concern and multiple reconsiderations. It reflects a cautious personality or a situation fraught with potential risk.
- Linguistic Register
- While '犹豫' is common in daily speech, adding '再三' elevates the phrase to a more formal or literary level (Chengyu-like). It is frequently found in literature, formal news reporting, and professional contexts where decision-making processes are being analyzed.
面对这份高薪但压力巨大的工作，他犹豫再三，最终决定放弃。 (Facing this high-paying but high-pressure job, he hesitated repeatedly and finally decided to give it up.)
In contemporary Chinese society, this phrase is often used to describe life-changing events: buying a house, choosing a spouse, or changing careers. It carries a sense of responsibility; the person hesitating isn't necessarily weak, but rather someone who understands the gravity of their choice. Interestingly, the phrase is often followed by '最后' (finally) or '还是' (still), indicating that the period of hesitation eventually ended in a decision, whether that decision was to proceed or to retreat.
她看着那封信，犹豫再三，还是没有把它寄出去。 (She looked at the letter, thought twice about it, and still didn't send it out.)
- Cultural Nuance
- In some contexts, 犹豫再三 can imply a lack of decisiveness (优柔寡断), but more often it suggests 'prudence.' In a culture that values 'thinking three times before acting' (三思而后行), this phrase often aligns with the virtue of careful planning.
Ultimately, 犹豫再三 is a versatile tool for any storyteller or speaker who wants to convey the weight of a moment. It bridges the gap between simple action and complex psychological state, making it an essential component of B2-level Chinese proficiency.
Mastering the grammatical placement of 犹豫再三 is key to sounding natural. Although it is composed of a verb (犹豫) and an adverbial (再三), the entire unit functions primarily as a complex verb phrase or an adverbial modifier within a sentence. It typically precedes the main action that results from the hesitation.
- The 'Subject + 犹豫再三 + (还是/最后) + Verb' Pattern
- This is the most common structure. The hesitation serves as the preamble to the eventual action. For example: '我犹豫再三，还是拒绝了他的邀请' (I hesitated repeatedly, but still refused his invitation). Here, the hesitation is the mental process leading to the refusal.
经理对于是否要裁员犹豫再三。 (The manager hesitated repeatedly regarding whether or not to lay off employees.)
You can also use it in a descriptive sense, often ending a sentence to leave the reader with the image of the person's indecision. This is common in narrative writing to build tension. For example: '面对这道难题，他站在原地，犹豫再三。' (Facing this difficult problem, he stood there, hesitating again and again.)
- Using with Prepositional Phrases
- It often pairs with '对于' (regarding) or '在...面前' (in front of/facing). For instance: '在重大利益面前，没有人不会犹豫再三。' (In the face of significant interests, no one would not hesitate repeatedly.)
他犹豫再三后，终于拨通了那个号码。 (After hesitating repeatedly, he finally dialed that number.)
Note that '犹豫再三' can also be followed by '后' (after) or '才' (only then) to emphasize the time it took to reach a decision. '犹豫再三后，他才开口说话' (Only after hesitating repeatedly did he start to speak). This structure highlights the breakthrough after a long period of silence or doubt.
Understanding the social context of 犹豫再三 helps in choosing the right moment to use it. It is not a word for choosing between vanilla or chocolate ice cream (unless you're being humorous). It is a word for the 'big' moments.
- In Literature and Storytelling
- Novelists love this phrase because it allows them to pause the action and focus on a character's internal monologue. You will see it in descriptions of protagonists deciding whether to confess their love, betray a friend, or embark on a dangerous journey. It signals to the reader that a turning point is approaching.
- In Professional Settings
- During business meetings or performance reviews, a manager might say, '对于这个项目的投资，董事会犹豫再三' (The board of directors hesitated repeatedly regarding the investment in this project). It conveys a sense of professional diligence and risk assessment rather than just being 'slow.'
在新闻发布会上，发言人对敏感问题犹豫再三，谨慎作答。 (At the press conference, the spokesperson hesitated repeatedly over sensitive questions and answered cautiously.)
In daily life among adults, you might hear it when discussing financial investments or major family decisions. For example, a friend might tell you, '我犹豫再三，还是决定回老家发展' (I thought about it over and over and finally decided to go back to my hometown to develop my career). Here, it shows the friend is sharing a deeply considered life choice with you.
Furthermore, in academic or analytical writing, the phrase is used to describe historical figures or political leaders. '面对战争的威胁，国王犹豫再三。' (Facing the threat of war, the king hesitated repeatedly.) This usage adds a layer of gravitas to the historical narrative, portraying the leader as someone burdened by the weight of their decisions.
While 犹豫再三 is a powerful phrase, it is often misused by intermediate learners who treat it as a direct substitute for 'hesitate' in every situation. Here are the most frequent pitfalls.
- 1. Overusing it for Trivial Choices
- If you say '我犹豫再三，最后买了苹果而不是香蕉' (I hesitated repeatedly and finally bought an apple instead of a banana), it sounds melodramatic or sarcastic. Unless you are allergic to one of them and it's a life-or-death choice, just use '犹豫' or '想了想.'
- 2. Redundant Adverbs
- As mentioned before, avoid '非常犹豫再三' or '很犹豫再三.' The '再三' (again and again) already provides the intensity. Adding 'very' or 'extremely' makes the sentence clunky. Instead, if you want to emphasize the duration, use '犹豫了很久' or '经过了长时间的犹豫.'
Incorrect: 他犹豫再三地决定了。 (He repeatedly hesitatingly decided.)
Correct: 他犹豫再三，最终做出了决定。 (He hesitated repeatedly and finally made a decision.)
A subtle mistake involves the '地' (de) particle. While '犹豫地' is common, '犹豫再三地' is less frequent. Usually, '犹豫再三' acts as its own adverbial block and doesn't require '地' when it directly precedes the verb, though it's not strictly 'wrong' in all contexts, it often feels redundant.
Lastly, learners often forget the 'result.' Because '犹豫再三' describes a process of weighing options, the listener naturally expects to hear what happened next. Leaving the sentence at '他犹豫再三' without further context can feel like an unfinished story, unless the context already implies the struggle is ongoing.
Chinese is rich with expressions for indecision. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to emphasize the fear of the outcome, the lack of a plan, or the repetitive nature of the thought process.
- 犹豫再三 vs. 举棋不定 (jǔ qí bù dìng)
- 举棋不定 literally means 'holding a chess piece but not knowing where to move it.' It is used specifically when one has several options but cannot choose between them. 犹豫再三 is broader and focuses more on the internal emotional struggle and the duration of the hesitation.
- 犹豫再三 vs. 优柔寡断 (yōu róu guǎ duàn)
- 优柔寡断 is a personality trait. It describes someone who is habitually indecisive and weak-willed. 犹豫再三 describes a specific instance of hesitation. You can be a very decisive person but still 犹豫再三 when faced with a particularly difficult choice.
- 犹豫再三 vs. 迟疑不决 (chí yí bù jué)
- 迟疑不决 is very similar but slightly more formal. It emphasizes the 'delay' (迟) and the 'lack of decision' (不决). 犹豫再三 emphasizes the 'repetition' (再三) of the doubting process.
Summary Comparison:
• 犹豫再三: Process-focused, repetitive thinking.
• 举棋不定: Choice-focused, unable to pick a move.
• 优柔寡断: Character-focused, chronically indecisive.
When you want to express 'thinking twice' in a more positive, careful light, you might use 三思而后行 (think three times before acting). While 犹豫再三 can sometimes feel slightly negative (stalling), 三思而后行 is almost always a piece of positive advice about being prudent and wise.
In casual conversation, you can simply use '纠结' (jiūjié). This is very popular among young people and describes a state of being mentally 'knotted' or conflicted. '我好纠结啊' (I'm so conflicted/torn). However, in a professional essay or a formal speech, 犹豫再三 remains the superior choice.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
Because these two animals were legendary for their cautious and suspicious nature, their names were combined to describe the human trait of indecision. The addition of '再三' (again and third) is a later development to emphasize the repetitive nature of this suspicion.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'yu' like 'you' (English). It should be the Mandarin 'ü' sound.
- Pronouncing 'zai' like 'zay'. It should rhyme with 'high'.
- Confusing the tones: It is yóu (2nd) yù (4th) zài (4th) sān (1st).
- Failing to aspirate or properly distinguish the 's' in 'san'.
- Pronouncing 'you' as first tone instead of second tone.
Difficulty Rating
The characters are somewhat complex, especially 豫, and it requires understanding the '再三' structure.
Writing '犹豫' and '豫' correctly from memory is a challenge for many learners.
Once the tones are mastered, it flows naturally in a sentence.
It is a distinct four-character block that is usually easy to catch in context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Examples by Level
我想了很久，犹豫再三。
I thought for a long time, hesitating repeatedly.
Simple subject + verb + idiom structure.
他犹豫再三，买了那个书包。
He hesitated repeatedly and bought that backpack.
Idiom used as a preamble to the action.
我们要去吗？他犹豫再三。
Are we going? He hesitated repeatedly.
Used at the end of a short sentence for emphasis.
我不喜欢犹豫再三的人。
I don't like people who hesitate repeatedly.
Used as an adjective phrase modifying '人'.
她犹豫再三，没有说话。
She hesitated repeatedly and didn't speak.
Negative result after the hesitation.
买还是不买？他犹豫再三。
To buy or not to buy? He hesitated repeatedly.
Shows the internal question before the idiom.
老师犹豫再三，给了他一个机会。
The teacher hesitated repeatedly and gave him a chance.
Subject + idiom + verb.
看到这个题，我犹豫再三。
Seeing this question, I hesitated repeatedly.
Contextual reason + subject + idiom.
我犹豫再三，最后还是选了红色。
I hesitated repeatedly and finally chose red.
Uses '最后还是' (finally still) to show the result.
他犹豫再三，决定不参加明天的比赛。
He hesitated repeatedly and decided not to join tomorrow's match.
Deciding not to do something after hesitating.
关于去哪儿旅游，妈妈犹豫再三。
As for where to travel, Mom hesitated repeatedly.
Topic-comment structure.
他犹豫再三，才把秘密告诉我。
He hesitated repeatedly before finally telling me the secret.
Uses '才' (only then) to emphasize the delay.
买这台电脑前，他犹豫再三。
Before buying this computer, he hesitated repeatedly.
Time phrase + subject + idiom.
她犹豫再三，还是拨通了那个电话。
She hesitated repeatedly but still dialed that phone number.
Shows a difficult action being taken.
面对这么多好吃的，他犹豫再三。
Facing so much delicious food, he hesitated repeatedly.
Describing a state of indecision.
我们要不要搬家？爸爸犹豫再三。
Should we move? Dad hesitated repeatedly.
Direct question followed by the idiom.
面对这份诱人的工作，他犹豫再三，担心压力太大。
Facing this attractive job, he hesitated repeatedly, fearing the pressure would be too great.
Adds a reason (担心...) after the idiom.
她犹豫再三，最终还是没有把信寄出去。
She hesitated repeatedly and in the end still didn't send the letter.
Uses '最终还是没有' for a negative outcome.
对于是否要辞职，我犹豫再三，毕竟我已经在这里工作十年了。
Regarding whether to resign, I hesitated repeatedly; after all, I've worked here for ten years.
Uses '毕竟' (after all) to explain the cause of hesitation.
他犹豫再三，还是决定向她道歉。
He hesitated repeatedly but still decided to apologize to her.
Social context: interpersonal conflict.
在签合同之前，律师建议他再犹豫再三，仔细考虑一下。
Before signing the contract, the lawyer suggested he think twice and consider it carefully.
Used as a suggestion for caution.
我犹豫再三，不知道该不该把这件事告诉老师。
I hesitated repeatedly, not knowing whether I should tell the teacher about this.
Internal monologue structure.
他犹豫再三，最后选择了沉默。
He hesitated repeatedly and finally chose silence.
Abstract result (silence).
对于这个昂贵的投资项目，董事会犹豫再三。
The board of directors hesitated repeatedly regarding this expensive investment project.
Formal business context.
虽然机会难得，但他犹豫再三，还是因为家庭原因拒绝了。
Although it was a rare opportunity, he hesitated repeatedly and still refused due to family reasons.
Complex sentence with '虽然...还是...'.
在那段艰难的日子里，他对于是否要坚持梦想犹豫再三。
During those difficult days, he hesitated repeatedly about whether to stick to his dreams.
Abstract context (dreams/perseverance).
她犹豫再三，才鼓起勇气走上台去。
Only after hesitating repeatedly did she muster the courage to walk onto the stage.
Emphasis on overcoming hesitation.
面对这种道德困境，任何人都会犹豫再三。
Facing this kind of moral dilemma, anyone would think twice.
Generalizing the human condition.
他犹豫再三后写下的这封信，改变了他的一生。
The letter he wrote after hesitating repeatedly changed his life.
Idiom used as an attributive modifier for '信'.
对于他的请求，我犹豫再三，最后决定帮他最后一次。
Regarding his request, I hesitated repeatedly and finally decided to help him one last time.
Specific boundary setting ('one last time').
在那个关键时刻，由于他的犹豫再三，错失了最佳的进攻机会。
At that critical moment, due to his repeated hesitation, the best opportunity for attack was lost.
Used as a noun phrase after '由于' (due to).
他犹豫再三，不知道该如何向父母开口解释这件事。
He hesitated repeatedly, not knowing how to start explaining this matter to his parents.
Focus on the 'how' of communication.
在深思熟虑与犹豫再三之间，往往只有一线之隔。
There is often only a fine line between deep deliberation and repeated hesitation.
Philosophical comparison.
他犹豫再三，终究还是没能跨出那一步，留下了终生的遗憾。
He hesitated repeatedly and, in the end, failed to take that step, leaving a lifelong regret.
Literary tone with '终究' (eventually).
面对历史的转折点，那位领导人犹豫再三，深感责任重大。
Facing a turning point in history, that leader hesitated repeatedly, deeply feeling the weight of responsibility.
High-level political/historical narrative.
这篇文章经过作者犹豫再三的修改，终于发表了。
After the author's repeated hesitant revisions, this article was finally published.
Used as a possessive modifier ('作者犹豫再三的修改').
她在感情的世界里犹豫再三，始终无法确定谁才是她的真爱。
She hesitated repeatedly in the world of emotions, always unable to determine who her true love was.
Metaphorical usage.
这种犹豫再三的态度，在商场上往往会被视为软弱的表现。
This attitude of repeated hesitation is often viewed as a sign of weakness in the business world.
Critiquing a behavior.
他犹豫再三，试图在忠诚与正义之间寻找一个平衡点。
He hesitated repeatedly, trying to find a balance between loyalty and justice.
Complex abstract struggle.
尽管他犹豫再三，但内心的直觉告诉他，必须立刻行动。
Despite his repeated hesitation, his inner intuition told him he must act immediately.
Contrast between thought and intuition.
这种犹豫再三并非源于胆怯，而是源于对复杂局势的深刻洞察。
This repeated hesitation did not stem from cowardice, but rather from a profound insight into the complex situation.
Redefining the term in a positive light.
在哈姆雷特的独白中，我们可以清晰地看到他那种犹豫再三的灵魂煎熬。
In Hamlet's soliloquies, we can clearly see the repeated hesitation and soul-searching agony.
Literary analysis of a classic character.
他那犹豫再三的性格，成了他政治生涯中最大的绊脚石。
His character of repeated hesitation became the biggest stumbling block in his political career.
Treating the phrase as a character flaw.
面对时代的洪流，个人往往会在选择进退时犹豫再三。
In the face of the torrent of the times, individuals often hesitate repeatedly when choosing whether to advance or retreat.
Sociological/Philosophical reflection.
他犹豫再三，最终在协议书上签下了那个沉重的名字。
He hesitated repeatedly and finally signed that heavy name on the agreement.
Dramatic narrative style.
这种在细节上的犹豫再三，反映了他追求完美的近乎苛刻的态度。
This repeated hesitation over details reflects his almost harsh attitude toward pursuing perfection.
Linking hesitation to perfectionism.
他犹豫再三，却始终无法摆脱过去阴影对他决策的干扰。
He hesitated repeatedly, but could never escape the interference of past shadows on his decision-making.
Psychological depth.
在那个没有退路的时刻，他的犹豫再三被解读为一种无声的抗议。
In that moment of no return, his repeated hesitation was interpreted as a silent protest.
Re-interpreting silence/hesitation as action.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Hesitated repeatedly, but still (did something). The most common pattern.
犹豫再三，他还是把真相说了出来。
— Hesitated repeatedly, and finally (did something). Focuses on the end of the process.
犹豫再三，最后他选择了离开。
— Hesitated repeatedly, and all along (couldn't do something). Focuses on the failure to act.
他犹豫再三，始终没敢敲门。
— To hesitate repeatedly in front of (a choice/person/situation).
在巨大的诱惑面前，他犹豫再三。
— After consideration involving repeated hesitation.
这是经过我犹豫再三的考虑后做出的决定。
— To stop hesitating and take action.
你应该果断一点，不要再犹豫再三了。
— A choice that makes one hesitate repeatedly.
这是一个令人犹豫再三的抉择。
— To only start speaking after hesitating many times.
他看着我，犹豫再三才开口说‘对不起’。
— A look/expression of repeated hesitation.
他那犹豫再三的眼神出卖了他的内心。
— To hesitate repeatedly about one's future.
很多大学毕业生会对前途犹豫再三。
Idioms & Expressions
— The base idiom meaning to remain undecided. Less emphasis on the 'repeated' aspect than '再三'.
他在关键时刻总是犹豫不决。
Neutral/Formal— Think three times before acting. Usually a positive piece of advice.
年轻人做事要三思而行。
Formal/Positive— Soft and indecisive. Describes a weak character trait.
他这种优柔寡断的性格很难当领导。
Negative/Formal— Like holding a chess piece and not knowing where to put it. Specific to choosing options.
面对两家公司的邀请，他举棋不定。
Literary— To delay and not decide. Very close to 犹豫不决.
由于他的迟疑不决，公司损失了一大笔生意。
Formal— Looking forward and backward. Being over-cautious and afraid of consequences.
做事不能总是瞻前顾后，要敢于冒险。
Neutral/Formal— To linger at a crossroad. Metaphorically being lost in choice.
他正处于人生的转折点，徘徊歧路。
High Literary— As suspicious as a fox and unable to decide.
他对此事狐疑不决，不敢轻易相信。
Literary— Over-thinking and having too many worries.
别多心多虑了，事情没那么复杂。
Informal— Pacing back and forth and not moving forward.
他在梦想的门前徘徊不前。
LiteraryWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'You' (犹) and 'Yu' (豫) as two friends standing in front of a '3' (三). They keep asking 'Should we go?' 'I don't know.' They ask 'Again' (再) and 'Again' (三).
Visual Association
Imagine a person standing at a fork in the road. They take two steps toward the left, then stop and walk back. Then they take two steps toward the right, then stop and walk back. They do this 'Three' (三) times.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to write a sentence where someone is 犹豫再三 about something very small (like a flavor of ice cream) to see how it sounds funny/over-dramatic, then write one about a marriage proposal.
Word Origin
The term '犹豫' (yóuyù) has fascinating roots. In ancient Chinese texts, '犹' (yóu) and '豫' (yù) were believed to be two different kinds of suspicious and cautious animals. The '犹' was said to be a type of monkey-like creature that would climb a tree and peek out whenever it heard a sound, constantly doubting whether it was safe. The '豫' was described as a large elephant-like creature that was slow and cautious in its movements.
Original meaning: Suspicious animals that cannot make up their minds to move.
Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).Cultural Context
Calling someone '犹豫再三' isn't usually an insult, but calling them '优柔寡断' is. Be careful not to confuse the two if you want to remain polite.
The closest English equivalent is 'to think twice' or 'to waver.' However, '犹豫再三' feels more formal and literary than 'thinking twice.'
Summary
犹豫再三 (yóuyù zàisān) is your go-to phrase for describing 'serious indecision.' Use it to add psychological depth to your characters or to explain why a major life decision took so long to make. Example: '我犹豫再三，还是辞职了' (I thought about it over and over and finally quit).
- A formal idiom meaning to hesitate repeatedly or think twice before acting.
- Used for significant decisions, emphasizing the mental process of doubt.
- Commonly paired with '最后还是' (finally still) to show the eventual outcome.
- Avoid using with '很' or for very trivial, small everyday choices.
Related Content
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朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
