徘徊 captures both the physical act of pacing and the mental state of indecision.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To walk back and forth in a specific area.
- To be indecisive or hesitant about a decision.
- Often used to describe a state of deep contemplation.
Overview
- 1概览：徘徊是一个具有文学色彩和心理深度的词汇。其核心含义包含两个层面：一是物理上的“来回走动”，即在某个区域内漫无目的地移动；二是心理上的“犹豫不决”，指思想在两种选择之间摇摆，难以果断抉择。2) 使用模式：该词常与地点名词连用，如“在门口徘徊”或“在公园里徘徊”。在表达心理状态时，常与“犹豫”、“抉择”等词搭配。3) 常见语境：在描述文学作品中的人物时，徘徊常被用来营造孤独、纠结或沉思的氛围。在日常生活中，它也可以描述一个人在等待某人或某事时焦虑不安的状态。4) 近义词辨析：与“走动”相比，徘徊更强调“来回”的动作和“不确定”的心理状态；与“犹豫”相比，徘徊既可以指心理活动，也可以指身体动作，而犹豫纯粹指心理层面的迟疑。
Examples
他在校门口徘徊了很久，不敢进去。
everydayHe paced back and forth at the school gate for a long time, afraid to go in.
由于市场前景不明，投资者在买入与卖出之间徘徊。
formalDue to the unclear market outlook, investors are hesitating between buying and selling.
夜深了，他独自在空荡荡的街道上徘徊。
informalIt was late at night, and he wandered alone on the empty street.
该理论在科学界徘徊了多年，才得到证实。
academicThe theory hovered in the scientific community for years before being verified.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
徘徊不前
Hesitating to move forward
徘徊于生死边缘
Hovering between life and death
徘徊在记忆里
Lingering in memories
Often Confused With
犹豫 focuses strictly on the mental state of being unable to decide. 徘徊 includes both the mental state and the physical action of moving back and forth.
游荡 implies aimless wandering or loitering, often with a slightly negative connotation of wasting time. 徘徊 is more neutral and often carries an emotional or contemplative tone.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
徘徊 is primarily used in formal or literary contexts. It implies a sense of anxiety, indecision, or deep thought. It is not used for purposeful or direct movement.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it for simple walking, which is incorrect. It should not be used when someone has a clear destination. Ensure the context involves either ambiguity or emotional weight.
Tips
Visualize the pacing motion
Imagine someone walking in a small circle or back and forth. This mental image helps link the physical action to the word.
Distinguish from simple walking
Don't use 徘徊 for purposeful walking, like going to the store. It implies a lack of specific destination or internal conflict.
Literary usage in poetry
In Chinese poetry, 徘徊 is often used to express nostalgia or the sorrow of parting. It adds a layer of emotional depth to the text.
Word Origin
The character originates from ancient Chinese, where both components suggest walking slowly or hesitantly. It has evolved to represent the physical and abstract state of being stuck in a loop.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, 徘徊 is frequently associated with the 'literati' (scholars) who feel lost in life or career. It is a staple word in classical and modern sentimental literature.
Memory Tip
Think of the two radicals in 徘徊 (彳), both related to walking. Imagine someone walking back and forth on a path, unable to choose which way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions徘徊既可以表示身体上的走动，也可以表示心理上的摇摆。而犹豫仅指心理层面的迟疑不决，不涉及身体动作。
徘徊在书面语中更为常用，具有一定的文学色彩。在极度口语化的日常对话中，人们更倾向于使用“走来走去”或“拿不定主意”。
常见的近义词包括：游荡、盘旋、犹豫、迟疑。
可以，这是非常地道的表达。它形象地描述了某人因为某种原因（如不好意思敲门或内心挣扎）而在门口来回走动。
Test Yourself
他站在十字路口，内心感到十分___，不知道该走哪条路。
徘徊准确地描述了在选择面前犹豫不决的状态。
下列哪种情况可以用徘徊？
徘徊强调不安和来回走动的状态。
请用徘徊造句：
这个句子准确地使用了徘徊来表达心理上的纠结。
Score: /3
Summary
徘徊 captures both the physical act of pacing and the mental state of indecision.
- To walk back and forth in a specific area.
- To be indecisive or hesitant about a decision.
- Often used to describe a state of deep contemplation.
Visualize the pacing motion
Imagine someone walking in a small circle or back and forth. This mental image helps link the physical action to the word.
Distinguish from simple walking
Don't use 徘徊 for purposeful walking, like going to the store. It implies a lack of specific destination or internal conflict.
Literary usage in poetry
In Chinese poetry, 徘徊 is often used to express nostalgia or the sorrow of parting. It adds a layer of emotional depth to the text.
Examples
4 of 4他在校门口徘徊了很久，不敢进去。
He paced back and forth at the school gate for a long time, afraid to go in.
由于市场前景不明，投资者在买入与卖出之间徘徊。
Due to the unclear market outlook, investors are hesitating between buying and selling.
夜深了，他独自在空荡荡的街道上徘徊。
It was late at night, and he wandered alone on the empty street.
该理论在科学界徘徊了多年，才得到证实。
The theory hovered in the scientific community for years before being verified.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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恪守
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未免
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反常
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充裕
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充沛
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门禁
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