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毫不犹豫地

B2 noun 9 min read

毫不犹豫地

haowuyouyu de

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 毫不犹豫地 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 毫不犹豫地 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '毫不犹豫地' yourself, but you might see it in simple stories. Think of it as a very long way to say 'Very fast' or 'No waiting.' In Chinese, it is made of four characters: 'háo' (tiny), 'bù' (not), 'yóu' (hesitate), and 'yù' (hesitate). Together, they mean 'not even a tiny bit of hesitation.' When you see '地' (de) after it, it means the next word is an action. For example, 'He 毫不犹豫地 ran.' It tells us the person was very sure and did not stop to think. Even though it looks hard, you can remember it by the 'bù' in the middle, which usually means 'no' or 'not.' At this level, just remember it means someone did something right away because they really wanted to.

At the A2 level, you can start to recognize '毫不犹豫地' as a useful set phrase. It's like the English phrase 'without thinking twice.' Usually, you use it before a verb. For example, if your friend asks for help and you say 'Yes' immediately, you can say you answered '毫不犹豫地.' The word '犹豫' (yóu yù) means to hesitate, and '毫不' (háo bù) means 'not at all.' So it literally means 'not at all hesitatingly.' It is a bit more formal than '马上' (mǎ shàng - immediately). Using this phrase makes your Chinese sound much more advanced and descriptive. Try to use it when you describe a hero in a story or a very good friend who helps others quickly.

By B1, you should be able to use '毫不犹豫地' in your writing and speaking to add detail to your descriptions. This phrase is an 'adverbial modifier.' It explains the 'how' of an action. At this level, it's important to get the word order right: Subject + 毫不犹豫地 + Verb. For example, '他毫不犹豫地接受了邀请' (He accepted the invitation without hesitation). It shows a high level of certainty. You should also notice that '毫不' (háo bù) is a common pattern used with other words to mean 'not in the least.' Learning this phrase helps you understand the structure of Chinese four-character idioms (Chengyu), even though this specific one is often treated as a standard adverbial phrase. It's perfect for describing decisions in business, sports, or personal relationships.

At the B2 level, '毫不犹豫地' is a core vocabulary item for expressing decisiveness. You should understand the nuance between this and similar words like '立刻' (immediately) or '果断' (decisively). While '立刻' focuses on the time, '毫不犹豫地' focuses on the psychological state—the absence of doubt. You should use it to improve the 'flow' and 'flavor' of your essays. For example, when discussing social issues, you might write about how people should '毫不犹豫地' help those in need. You should also be comfortable using it in formal contexts, such as business reports or formal speeches, to convey a sense of determination and efficiency. Pay attention to the '地' particle and ensure you don't confuse it with '的' when modifying verbs.

At the C1 level, you should master the rhetorical power of '毫不犹豫地.' It is not just an adverb; it's a tool for characterization. In literary analysis or advanced composition, you can use it to contrast a character's internal state with their external actions. You should also be aware of its more literary synonyms like '毅然' (yì rán) or '斩钉截铁' (zhǎn dīng jié tiě) and know when '毫不犹豫地' is the more appropriate, neutral-to-positive choice. You should be able to identify its use in complex sentence structures, such as within 'not only... but also' (不但...而且...) or 'even if' (即使...也...) constructions. At this level, you should also be able to explain the etymology of the characters (like the 'hair' metaphor in 毫) to others, showing a deep cultural and linguistic understanding.

For C2 learners, '毫不犹豫地' is a versatile element of high-level discourse. You should be able to use it with perfect prosody and tone in sophisticated oral presentations. You should understand its placement in classical-style modern prose and its role in creating 'staccato' or 'legato' rhythms in writing. Beyond its basic meaning, you should recognize when it is being used ironically or hyperbolically in satirical writing or advanced social commentary. You should also be able to substitute it with even more specific four-character idioms (Chengyu) like '不假思索' (without thinking) or '雷厉风行' (acting with lightning speed and vigorous style) depending on the exact nuance of the situation. Your mastery should include the ability to use the '毫不-' prefix with a wide range of abstract nouns to create precise, formal negations in academic or legal Chinese.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

毫不犹豫地 in 30 Seconds

A powerful adverbial phrase meaning 'without a hair's breadth of hesitation,' used to show total confidence in an action.
Grammatically, it always precedes the verb and is followed by the particle '地' (de) in formal writing.
Commonly used in heroic, professional, or moral contexts to describe decisive and resolute behavior.
Stronger and more descriptive than simple words like 'immediately,' focusing on the lack of internal doubt.

The phrase 毫不犹豫地 (háo bù yóu yù de) is one of the most powerful and common adverbial constructions in the Chinese language. At its core, it describes an action performed with absolute certainty, speed, and a total lack of second-guessing. While often translated as 'without hesitation' or 'decisively,' its literal breakdown offers a more vivid picture of its intensity. The first character, 毫 (háo), refers to a fine hair or a tiny unit of measurement, often used metaphorically to mean 'the slightest bit.' Combined with 不 (bù), it means 'not even a tiny bit.' The core verb 犹豫 (yóu yù) means to hesitate or waver. Therefore, the phrase literally suggests that there is not even a hair's breadth of wavering before an action is taken. This makes it significantly stronger than simply saying 'quickly' or 'immediately.'

Semantic Nuance: It implies a state of mental clarity and moral or logical conviction. When someone acts 毫不犹豫地, they aren't just being fast; they are being resolute. It often appears in contexts involving bravery, deep friendship, or professional expertise where the 'right' choice is so clear that no deliberation is required.
Syntactic Function: The presence of the structural particle 地 (de) marks this phrase as an adverbial. It must precede a verb. You cannot use it to describe a person's character directly (like an adjective) without modification; instead, it describes the manner in which an action is carried out.

看到小孩落水，他毫不犹豫地跳了下去。 (Seeing the child fall into the water, he jumped in without a moment's hesitation.)

Example of heroic or instinctive action.

In modern usage, you will find this phrase in both written literature and spoken narratives. It is frequently employed in news reports to describe decisive government actions, in novels to highlight a protagonist's courage, and in business contexts to describe a confident investment or decision. It conveys a sense of reliability. If a company 毫不犹豫地 stands by its warranty, it builds immense trust with the consumer. Conversely, in a negative context, it can describe someone who is ruthlessly efficient, such as a villain who 毫不犹豫地 betrays a friend, though the phrase itself remains neutral—it simply measures the lack of friction between thought and deed.

面对困难，我们应该毫不犹豫地迎接挑战。 (Facing difficulties, we should meet the challenge without any hesitation.)

Common Collocations: It is most frequently paired with verbs of action or communication: 拒绝 (refuse), 答应 (agree), 冲 (rush), 抛弃 (abandon), or 投入 (invest/throw into). These pairings emphasize that the decision to act was instantaneous.

Mastering the use of 毫不犹豫地 (háo bù yóu yù de) requires understanding its placement within the Chinese sentence structure. As an adverbial phrase, its standard position is immediately after the subject and before the main verb. Unlike English, where 'without hesitation' can often float to the end of a sentence ('He jumped in without hesitation'), in Chinese, the manner of the action almost always precedes the action itself.

Subject + 毫不犹豫地 + Verb + Object

Let's look at how this applies across different contexts. In a business setting, if a CEO sees a great opportunity, you might say: 经理毫不犹豫地签了合同 (The manager signed the contract without hesitation). Here, the phrase emphasizes the manager's confidence in the deal. The '地' (de) is essential here because it bridges the four-character idiom to the verb '签' (sign). While in very casual speech people might omit '地', in written Chinese and formal speaking, it is strictly required for grammatical correctness at the B2 level and above.

The 'Not Even a Bit' Logic: The prefix '毫不' (háo bù) is a versatile tool. It can be paired with other two-character adjectives to create similar 'not in the slightest' meanings, such as '毫不客气' (not at all polite/direct) or '毫不相关' (completely unrelated). Understanding this pattern helps you realize that '毫不犹豫地' isn't just a single word to memorize, but part of a sophisticated grammatical family used to express total negation of a quality.

Furthermore, this phrase is often used to contrast a previous state of doubt. For example: 起初他有点担心，但最后他还是毫不犹豫地接受了挑战 (At first he was a bit worried, but in the end, he still accepted the challenge without hesitation). This contrast highlights a turning point in a narrative, showing a transition from internal conflict to external certainty. It is also a staple in 'moral dilemma' stories, where a character must choose between self-interest and the greater good. Choosing the greater good 毫不犹豫地 marks the character as a hero.

我毫不犹豫地把真相告诉了他。 (I told him the truth without the slightest hesitation.)

Finally, consider the emotional weight. When someone says they will help you 毫不犹豫地, it carries more weight than '我会帮你' (I will help you). It implies that even if the help requires sacrifice, they won't stop to think about the cost. This makes it a high-frequency phrase in literature concerning friendship and loyalty.

In the real world, 毫不犹豫地 (háo bù yóu yù de) is a favorite of storytellers, news anchors, and motivational speakers. If you are watching a Chinese historical drama (Wuxia or Xianxia), you will hear this phrase whenever a hero makes a life-changing decision or sacrifices themselves for a cause. It is the linguistic hallmark of the 'resolute protagonist.'

In News and Media: Journalists use this phrase to describe rapid institutional responses. For example, during a natural disaster, a report might say: '政府毫不犹豫地启动了应急预案' (The government activated the emergency response plan without hesitation). Here, it serves to reassure the public of the efficiency and decisiveness of the leadership.
In Business Negotiations: In high-stakes environments, showing hesitation is often seen as a sign of weakness. A negotiator might describe their counterpart's reaction: '他毫不犹豫地拒绝了我们的提议' (He rejected our proposal without a second thought). This indicates that the proposal was far from the counterpart's expectations, and no further discussion was needed.

“如果你需要帮助，我会毫不犹豫地站在你这边。”

A common line in romantic or dramatic dialogue.

You will also encounter this in educational settings. Teachers often use it to encourage students to be bold: '如果你有疑问，请毫不犹豫地提出来' (If you have questions, please raise them without hesitation). This creates an atmosphere where students feel empowered to speak up immediately. In modern Chinese social media (Weibo or Red), the phrase is sometimes used for comedic effect or hyperbole—for instance, describing how someone 毫不犹豫地 bought a very expensive item they didn't need as soon as they saw it on sale.

看到那件漂亮的衣服，她毫不犹豫地刷了卡。 (Seeing that beautiful dress, she swiped her card without hesitation.)

While 毫不犹豫地 (háo bù yóu yù de) is a versatile phrase, learners often fall into several common traps. The most frequent error involves the misuse of the particle '地'. Because English uses 'without hesitation' as a prepositional phrase that can follow a verb, learners often try to place '毫不犹豫地' at the end of the sentence. This is grammatically incorrect in Chinese.

Mistake 1: Incorrect Word Order

Incorrect: 他跳进了水里毫不犹豫地。

Correct: 他毫不犹豫地跳进了水里。

Reason: In Mandarin, adverbial phrases describing 'how' something is done must precede the verb.

Mistake 2: Using the Wrong 'De'

Incorrect: 毫不犹豫的决定 (when trying to say 'decided without hesitation').

Correct: 毫不犹豫地决定。

Note: Use '的' only if you are modifying a noun (e.g., 'a hesitation-free decision'). Use '地' when modifying the act of deciding.

Another mistake is overusing the phrase in very casual, low-stakes situations. While it is grammatically correct to say 'I ate the apple 毫不犹豫地,' it sounds quite intense—as if the apple was a difficult choice or a life-altering decision. For simple, quick actions, '立刻' (lì kè) or '直接' (zhí jiē) are often more appropriate. Save '毫不犹豫地' for when you want to emphasize the willpower or certainty behind the action.

他毫不犹豫地把最后一块蛋糕给了妹妹。 (He gave the last piece of cake to his sister without hesitation.)

This usage is good because it implies a selfless choice.

Finally, ensure you don't double up on negatives. '毫不犹豫' already contains '不' (not). Adding another negative like '没有毫不犹豫地' is confusing and usually incorrect. If you want to say someone did hesitate, simply say '他犹豫了' (He hesitated).

To truly master Chinese, you need to know when to use 毫不犹豫地 (háo bù yóu yù de) versus its synonyms. Depending on the context—whether it's about speed, courage, or finality—different words might be more precise.

果断 (guǒ duàn)

Difference: '果断' is an adjective meaning 'decisive.' While '毫不犹豫地' describes the lack of hesitation, '果断' describes the character or the quality of the decision itself.

Example: 他是一个果断的领导。 (He is a decisive leader.)

斩钉截铁 (zhǎn dīng jié tiě)

Difference: Literally 'cutting nails and slicing iron.' This idiom is used specifically for speech or a firm stance that is absolute and unchangeable.

Example: 他斩钉截铁地拒绝了。 (He refused categorically/firmly.)

当机立断 (dāng jī lì duàn)

Difference: This means to make a decision on the spot at a critical moment. It emphasizes the 'timing' (机) more than '毫不犹豫地' does.

Synonym Comparison Table:
Word Focus Common Use
毫不犹豫 Lack of doubt Action/Response
立刻 Time/Speed Daily tasks
义无反顾 Moral duty Sacrifice/Commitment

Word	Focus	Common Use
毫不犹豫	Lack of doubt	Action/Response
立刻	Time/Speed	Daily tasks
义无反顾	Moral duty	Sacrifice/Commitment

In literary contexts, you might also see 毅然 (yì rán), which means 'resolutely.' It is often used for difficult, brave decisions, like leaving one's hometown to join a revolution. While 毫不犹豫地 can be used for small things (like buying a dress), 毅然 is almost always for significant, solemn life choices. Understanding these boundaries will help you sound like a native speaker who understands the 'weight' of Chinese words.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The characters for '犹豫' (yóu yù) are rarely used outside of this specific meaning. In ancient times, '犹豫' was sometimes written with different radicals, but it has always carried the sense of 'wavering' or 'being of two minds.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /haʊ buː jəʊ jʏ dɛ/

US /haʊ buː joʊ ju dɛ/

The primary stress falls on the first syllable of '犹豫' (yóu), with a secondary stress on '毫' (háo).

Rhymes With

骄傲地 (jiāo ào de) 仔细地 (zǐ xì de) 快乐地 (kuài lè de) 坚决地 (jiān jué de) 勇敢地 (yǒng gǎn de) 无声地 (wú shēng de) 悄悄地 (qiāo qiāo de) 迅速地 (xùn sù de)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '犹豫' (yóu yù) as 'yǒu yù' (wrong tone).
Mispronouncing the 'ü' sound in 'yù' as a standard 'u' like in 'blue'.
Forgetting the second tone on '毫' (háo) and making it flat.
Stressing the '地' (de) particle too much; it should be short and neutral.
Blending 'bù' and 'yóu' into one sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The characters '犹豫' are complex to recognize for beginners.

Writing 5/5

Writing '犹豫' from memory is a common challenge even for intermediate students.

Speaking 3/5

The rhythm is easy once the tones are mastered.

Listening 2/5

The 'háo bù' prefix is very distinctive.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

犹豫 (yóu yù) 不 (bù) 地 (de) 立刻 (lì kè) 决定 (jué dìng)

Learn Next

犹豫不决 (yóu yù bù jué) 斩钉截铁 (zhǎn dīng jié tiě) 义无反顾 (yì wú fǎn gù) 毫无 (háo wú) 毫不 (háo bù)

Advanced

不假思索 (bù jiǎ sī suǒ) 毅然 (yì rán) 果敢 (guǒ gǎn)

Grammar to Know

The '地' Particle for Adverbials

他开心地笑了；他毫不犹豫地走了。

Negation with '毫不'

他毫不关心；这件事毫不费力。

Four-character idioms as Adverbs

他全神贯注地听讲；他毫不犹豫地拒绝。

Placement of Adverbs before Verbs

我[毫不犹豫地]看他。 (Correct) vs 我看他[毫不犹豫地]。(Incorrect)

Contrast using '虽然...但还是...'

虽然很累，但他还是毫不犹豫地坚持了下去。

Examples by Level

他毫不犹豫地走了。

He left without hesitation.

Simple Subject + Adverb + Verb structure.

我毫不犹豫地买了它。

I bought it without hesitation.

Used with a simple past action.

她毫不犹豫地笑了。

She laughed without hesitation.

Describes a natural, quick reaction.

猫毫不犹豫地跳了。

The cat jumped without hesitation.

Applying the adverb to an animal's action.

老师毫不犹豫地给了我书。

The teacher gave me the book without hesitation.

Used in a giving context.

他毫不犹豫地回答了。

He answered without hesitation.

Commonly used with verbs of speaking.

我毫不犹豫地喝了水。

I drank the water without hesitation.

Simple daily action.

她毫不犹豫地跑了。

She ran without hesitation.

Focus on the start of an action.

他毫不犹豫地答应了我的请求。

He agreed to my request without hesitation.

答应 (dā ying) is a common verb for this phrase.

看到美食，他毫不犹豫地吃了起来。

Seeing the delicious food, he started eating without hesitation.

Uses '起来' to show the start of an action.

她毫不犹豫地把钱借给了朋友。

She lent the money to her friend without hesitation.

Shows kindness or trust.

面对困难，他毫不犹豫地选择了前进。

Facing difficulties, he chose to move forward without hesitation.

Abstract choice (choosing to move forward).

我毫不犹豫地告诉了他真相。

I told him the truth without hesitation.

Focus on honesty.

他毫不犹豫地拒绝了那个坏主意。

He rejected that bad idea without hesitation.

Negative action (refusing) done positively.

她毫不犹豫地跳进了泳池。

She jumped into the pool without hesitation.

Physical action.

小明毫不犹豫地举手回答问题。

Xiao Ming raised his hand to answer the question without hesitation.

Classroom context.

经理毫不犹豫地批准了我的请假申请。

The manager approved my leave application without hesitation.

Formal workplace context.

虽然路途遥远，但他还是毫不犹豫地出发了。

Although the journey was long, he still set off without hesitation.

Used with '虽然...还是...' contrast.

为了救人，那位英雄毫不犹豫地冲进了火场。

To save people, that hero rushed into the fire without hesitation.

Classic heroic narrative usage.

她毫不犹豫地放弃了高薪工作，去乡村支教。

She gave up her high-paying job without hesitation to teach in the countryside.

Focus on sacrifice for a cause.

听到这个好消息，他毫不犹豫地给家里打了电话。

Hearing the good news, he called home without hesitation.

Emotional response.

面对诱惑，他毫不犹豫地拒绝了。

Facing temptation, he rejected it without hesitation.

Moral integrity context.

如果你有任何需要，请毫不犹豫地告诉我。

If you have any needs, please tell me without hesitation.

Polite offer of help.

他毫不犹豫地把自己的秘密分享给了信任的朋友。

He shared his secret with a trusted friend without hesitation.

Focus on trust.

在关键时刻，他毫不犹豫地做出了决定。

At the critical moment, he made a decision without hesitation.

Focus on timing and decisiveness.

看到公司面临危机，投资者们毫不犹豫地撤资了。

Seeing the company face a crisis, the investors withdrew their capital without hesitation.

Business/Financial context.

他毫不犹豫地揭露了那场骗局。

He exposed that scam without hesitation.

Moral courage.

面对强敌，战士们毫不犹豫地发起了冲锋。

Facing a strong enemy, the soldiers launched a charge without hesitation.

Military/Historical context.

她毫不犹豫地在协议上签下了自己的名字。

She signed her name on the agreement without hesitation.

Formal commitment.

为了保护环境，他毫不犹豫地投身于公益事业。

To protect the environment, he threw himself into public welfare without hesitation.

Life-long commitment.

当被问及是否后悔时，他毫不犹豫地回答说“不”。

When asked if he regretted it, he answered 'no' without hesitation.

Lack of regret.

他毫不犹豫地指出了对方方案中的漏洞。

He pointed out the loopholes in the other party's plan without hesitation.

Professional critique.

在那场政治风暴中，他毫不犹豫地选择了站在正义一边。

In that political storm, he chose to stand on the side of justice without hesitation.

High-level social/political context.

对于这种公然违反法律的行为，我们必须毫不犹豫地予以打击。

We must strike back without hesitation against such blatant violations of the law.

Legal/Authoritative tone.

他毫不犹豫地撕毁了那份不平等的条约。

He tore up that unequal treaty without hesitation.

Historical/Symbolic action.

由于对技术的绝对自信，工程师毫不犹豫地启动了实验。

Due to absolute confidence in the technology, the engineer started the experiment without hesitation.

Technical confidence.

面对流言蜚语，她毫不犹豫地选择了保持沉默，用行动证明自己。

Facing rumors and gossip, she chose to remain silent without hesitation, proving herself through actions.

Subtle psychological choice.

那家企业毫不犹豫地投入了巨额资金用于研发。

That enterprise invested a huge amount of capital into R&D without hesitation.

Corporate strategy.

他毫不犹豫地把这次难得的晋升机会让给了更有能力的同事。

He gave up this rare promotion opportunity to a more capable colleague without hesitation.

Altruistic professional choice.

在文学创作中，他总是毫不犹豫地删掉那些冗余的修饰。

In literary creation, he always deletes those redundant modifiers without hesitation.

Creative process.

他毫不犹豫地摒弃了陈旧的观念，拥抱了时代的变革。

He discarded obsolete concepts without hesitation and embraced the changes of the era.

Abstract philosophical shift.

当民族大义摆在面前时，无数志士仁人毫不犹豫地慷慨赴死。

When the great cause of the nation was at stake, countless people of high ideals went to their deaths without hesitation.

Highly formal, literary, and emotional.

对于任何形式的霸权主义，我们都将毫不犹豫地予以反击。

We will strike back without hesitation against any form of hegemonism.

Diplomatic/Political rhetoric.

他毫不犹豫地在学术论文中指出了导师理论中的根本性错误。

He pointed out the fundamental errors in his mentor's theory in his academic paper without hesitation.

Intellectual honesty.

由于对艺术真谛的追求，他毫不犹豫地烧毁了那些平庸的作品。

Out of pursuit for the true essence of art, he burned those mediocre works without hesitation.

Extreme artistic conviction.

在瞬息万变的金融市场上，他毫不犹豫地抓住了那个稍纵即逝的机会。

In the volatile financial market, he seized that fleeting opportunity without hesitation.

Expertise and speed.

他毫不犹豫地承担起了照顾孤儿的责任，这一干就是三十年。

He took on the responsibility of caring for orphans without hesitation, and has done so for thirty years.

Long-term commitment.

面对道德的拷问，他毫不犹豫地选择了自我救赎。

Facing moral interrogation, he chose self-redemption without hesitation.

Deep existential choice.

Common Collocations

毫不犹豫地拒绝

毫不犹豫地答应

毫不犹豫地接受

毫不犹豫地冲

毫不犹豫地放弃

毫不犹豫地签字

毫不犹豫地指出

毫不犹豫地揭露

毫不犹豫地投入

毫不犹豫地回答

Common Phrases

毫不犹豫

— The base idiom without the particle. Used as a predicate or adjective.

他的态度非常毫不犹豫。

毫无疑问

— Without a doubt. Similar 'háo wú' structure.

毫无疑问，他是最棒的。

毫不客气

— Not at all polite; often used when someone is being very direct.

他毫不客气地指出了我的缺点。

毫不相关

— Completely unrelated.

这两件事毫不相关。

毫不介意

— Don't mind at all.

我毫不介意你迟到。

毫不动摇

— Unshakable; firm.

他的意志毫不动摇。

毫不费力

— Without any effort; easily.

他毫不费力地赢得了比赛。

毫不逊色

— Not inferior in any way.

他的表现毫不逊色于专业选手。

毫不留情

— Show no mercy.

法律会毫不留情地惩罚罪犯。

毫不隐瞒

— Hide nothing; tell everything.

他把事情的经过毫不隐瞒地告诉了我。

Often Confused With

毫不犹豫地 vs 犹豫不决

This is the exact opposite. It means being unable to decide.

毫不犹豫地 vs 立刻

Focuses on time speed, while 毫不犹豫地 focuses on the lack of doubt.

毫不犹豫地 vs 果断

An adjective describing a person's character, not usually an adverbial phrase for an action.

Idioms & Expressions

"斩钉截铁"

— To speak or act in a firm, decisive way, as if cutting through metal.

他斩钉截铁地表示反对。

Formal/Literary

"当机立断"

— To make a prompt decision at a critical moment.

在火灾发生时，他当机立断组织撤离。

Formal

"义无反顾"

— To pursue a course of action without looking back, driven by duty.

他义无反顾地选择了最危险的任务。

Literary

"不假思索"

— To act or speak without thinking; often due to natural talent or instinct.

他不假思索地回答了那个难题。

Neutral

"雷厉风行"

— To act with vigorous and speedy style, like lightning and wind.

新经理工作起来雷厉风行。

Formal

"快马加鞭"

— To go at even greater speed; to spur on.

我们要快马加鞭，按时完成任务。

Common

"一往无前"

— To press forward with indomitable will.

这种一往无前的精神值得学习。

Literary

"毅然决然"

— Resolutely and firmly; often for tough choices.

他毅然决然地离开了家乡。

Formal

"毫不迟疑"

— A direct synonym; without any delay.

他毫不迟疑地执行了命令。

Formal

"大刀阔斧"

— To act boldly and decisively, especially in reform.

公司正在进行大刀阔斧的改革。

Formal

Easily Confused

毫不犹豫地 vs 直接

Both imply doing something without delay.

'直接' means 'directly' or 'without detour.' '毫不犹豫地' means 'without doubt.'

你可以直接(directly)去他家，毫不犹豫地(without hesitation)敲门。

毫不犹豫地 vs 马上

Both mean 'immediately.'

'马上' is more casual and emphasizes time. '毫不犹豫地' is more formal and emphasizes willpower.

我马上(immediately)就来。他毫不犹豫地(without hesitation)答应了。

毫不犹豫地 vs 毅然

Both mean 'resolutely.'

'毅然' is much more formal and usually involves a very difficult or heroic life choice.

他毅然(resolutely)辞职。他毫不犹豫地(without hesitation)买了单。

毫不犹豫地 vs 赶紧

Both imply speed.

'赶紧' implies a sense of urgency or rushing. '毫不犹豫地' implies confidence.

天要下雨了，赶紧(hurry up)走吧。他毫不犹豫地(without hesitation)签了字。

毫不犹豫地 vs 不假思索

Both mean acting without thinking.

'不假思索' often implies a reflex or a well-practiced skill. '毫不犹豫地' implies a decision.

他不假思索(instinctively)地说出了答案。

Sentence Patterns

我毫不犹豫地 + Verb

我毫不犹豫地买了那本书。

看到...，他毫不犹豫地 + Verb

看到老人摔倒，他毫不犹豫地跑过去扶。

面对...，我毫不犹豫地 + Verb

面对困难，我毫不犹豫地选择了坚持。

虽然...，但[Subject]还是毫不犹豫地 + Verb

虽然雨很大，但他还是毫不犹豫地出发了。

毫不犹豫地 + 拒绝/答应/接受

经理毫不犹豫地答应了我的提议。

毫不犹豫地 + 投身于/致力于 + [Noun Phrase]

他毫不犹豫地投身于环保事业。

与其犹豫不决，不如毫不犹豫地 + Verb

与其犹豫不决，不如毫不犹豫地去尝试一下。

[Subject]之所以...，是因为他毫不犹豫地 + Verb

他之所以成功，是因为他毫不犹豫地抓住了每一个机会。

Word Family

Nouns

犹豫 (Hesitation/Indecision)

Verbs

犹豫 (To hesitate/To waver)

Adjectives

犹豫的 (Hesitant)

果断的 (Decisive - complementary opposite)

毫无 (None at all)

毫升 (Milliliter)

毫米 (Millimeter)

犹豫不决 (Indecisive)

疑虑 (Doubt/Misgiving)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both written and spoken Chinese at an intermediate-to-advanced level.

Common Mistakes

他走了，毫不犹豫地。 → 他毫不犹豫地走了。
In Chinese, adverbs of manner must precede the verb. You cannot place them at the end of a sentence like in English.
毫不犹豫的答应 → 毫不犹豫地答应
When modifying a verb, you must use '地' (de), not '的' (de).
他没有毫不犹豫地拒绝。 → 他犹豫了一下，没有立刻拒绝。
While '没有毫不犹豫地' is grammatically possible, it is very awkward and double-negated. It's better to use '犹豫' directly.
我毫不犹豫想吃苹果。 → 我毫不犹豫地决定吃苹果。
The phrase usually describes a completed action or a firm decision, not just a passing thought or desire.
他毫不犹豫地非常快。 → 他毫不犹豫地跑了。
'毫不犹豫地' must modify a verb, not an adjective like '快'.

Tips

Word Order is Key

Always place '毫不犹豫地' before the verb. Think of it as 'without-hesitation-ly verbing.' This will prevent the most common error of putting it at the end of the sentence.

Elevate Your Writing

Swap '马上' or '立刻' with '毫不犹豫地' when you want to show that a character is brave, confident, or very sure of themselves. It adds psychological depth to your writing.

Master the 'ü' sound

The 'yù' in '犹豫' requires the rounded 'ü' sound. Practice by making an 'ee' sound with your tongue and then rounding your lips like you are saying 'oo'.

The '毫不' Pattern

Learn the '毫不 + [2-character word]' pattern. Examples: 毫不关心 (no concern), 毫不费力 (no effort), 毫不留情 (no mercy). This expands your vocabulary exponentially.

Listen for the Rhythm

The phrase has a 2-2-1 rhythm. háo-bù, yóu-yù, de. Recognizing this rhythm will help you spot the phrase in fast-paced speech or movies.

Use in Heroic Stories

This is the 'hero's adverb.' Whenever you talk about a firefighter, a doctor, or a brave friend, this is your go-to phrase to describe their actions.

Don't Overuse

Don't use it for every single fast action. If you say 'I 毫不犹豫地 brushed my teeth,' it sounds like you were having a moral struggle about dental hygiene!

Showing Sincerity

When offering help, saying '我会毫不犹豫地帮你' sounds much more sincere and committed than just saying 'I will help you.'

HSK Prep

In HSK writing tasks, using '毫不犹豫地' correctly can help you score higher on 'vocabulary range' and 'complex structures.'

Recognizing '犹豫'

Focus on the radicals. Both '犹' and '豫' have the 'animal' or 'soft' radicals on the left. This can help you remember their origin as suspicious animals.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Háo' as a 'Hair'. 'Bù' is 'No'. 'Yóu Yù' is 'Yo-Yo'. So: 'No Hair-sized Yo-Yoing'. If you aren't going back and forth like a yo-yo, you aren't hesitating!

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing at a fork in the road. Instead of stopping to look at a map, they run left immediately without even slowing down. That runner is acting 毫不犹豫地.

Word Web

毫 (Hair/Tiny) 不 (No) 犹豫 (Hesitate) 地 (Adverb marker) 立刻 (Fast) 果断 (Decisive) 拒绝 (Refuse) 答应 (Agree)

Challenge

Try to use '毫不犹豫地' in a sentence today when describing a choice you made, like choosing what to eat for lunch or answering a phone call.

Word Origin

The phrase is a modern construction based on classical Chinese components. '毫' (háo) originally referred to the fine down on a bird or an animal's hair, symbolizing the smallest possible quantity. '犹豫' (yóu yù) has a fascinating origin; in ancient texts, it is said to refer to two types of animals—the 'yóu' (a suspicious monkey-like creature) and the 'yù' (an elephant or a large animal)—that were known for being cautious and indecisive in their movements.

Original meaning: Not having even a hair's worth of the suspicion of the 'yóu' animal.

Sino-Tibetan / Sinitic

Cultural Context

The phrase is generally positive or neutral. However, using it to describe someone committing a crime can emphasize their cold-blooded nature.

English speakers might use 'without a second thought' or 'at the drop of a hat,' but '毫不犹豫地' feels slightly more formal and heavy.

Commonly used in Chinese translations of superhero movies to describe heroic acts. Frequent in 'Wuxia' novels by Louis Cha (Jin Yong). Used in modern Chinese pop songs to describe falling in love or leaving a lover.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Heroism/Emergency

毫不犹豫地跳水
毫不犹豫地救人
毫不犹豫地冲进火场
毫不犹豫地报警

Business/Decision Making

毫不犹豫地签约
毫不犹豫地投资
毫不犹豫地拒绝提议
毫不犹豫地辞职

Social/Moral Choices

毫不犹豫地道歉
毫不犹豫地捐款
毫不犹豫地指出错误
毫不犹豫地伸出援手

Daily Life/Shopping

毫不犹豫地买了
毫不犹豫地答应邀请
毫不犹豫地吃掉
毫不犹豫地转发

Academic/Professional

毫不犹豫地回答问题
毫不犹豫地发表意见
毫不犹豫地批评
毫不犹豫地接受任务

Conversation Starters

"你曾经毫不犹豫地做过什么重大的决定吗？"

"如果你看到有人需要帮助，你会毫不犹豫地冲上去吗？"

"买东西的时候，你通常是犹豫不决还是毫不犹豫？"

"面对高薪但无聊的工作，你会毫不犹豫地拒绝吗？"

"在你的朋友中，谁做事最毫不犹豫？"

Journal Prompts

写一次你毫不犹豫地帮助别人的经历。当时你心里是怎么想的？

描述一个你毫不犹豫地买下的东西。现在你后悔了吗？为什么？

如果可以毫不犹豫地改变生活中的一件事，你会改变什么？

讨论一下，为什么在某些情况下毫不犹豫地行动是非常重要的？

写一个关于一个总是毫不犹豫地行动的英雄的小故事。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically, '毫不犹豫' is a four-character set phrase that functions like an idiom, although it is more transparent in meaning than many classical Chengyu. It is widely accepted and used in the same stylistic way as Chengyu.

In casual speech, people sometimes say '毫不犹豫拒绝了,' but in standard written Chinese and formal speaking, the '地' is necessary to mark it as an adverbial phrase.

'毫不犹豫' is the standard and far more common version. '毫不' modifies the verb '犹豫,' whereas '毫无' usually modifies a noun (like '毫无疑问'). Stick to '毫不犹豫' for actions.

It is generally neutral-to-positive, as it implies confidence and decisiveness. However, it can be negative if the action itself is bad, like '毫不犹豫地背叛' (betraying without hesitation).

It is a HSK 4/5 (B2) level phrase. You should start using it once you are comfortable with disyllabic words and basic 'de' (地) usage.

No. In Chinese, adverbial phrases describing manner must come before the verb. You cannot say '他跳下水毫不犹豫地'.

'毫' means a fine hair. In this context, it means 'the slightest bit.' It is used for strong negation.

Not directly as an adjective. You would use '果断' (guǒ duàn) to describe a decisive person. You use '毫不犹豫地' to describe how they act.

Yes, it is a very common phrase in HSK and other Chinese proficiency tests, both in reading comprehension and writing sections.

'斩钉截铁' (zhǎn dīng jié tiě) is a great idiom specifically for speaking in a firm, decisive way.