cau4躊踌
Jyutpingcau4
Yalechàuh
Definition
To pace back and forth, to hesitate, or to be complacent.
- to pace back and forth; to hesitate; to waver
- complacent; self-satisfied
writtendaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
躊 is rarely used as a standalone verb in modern spoken Cantonese, appearing almost exclusively as part of the compound 躊躇. It conveys a sense of hesitation rooted in internal conflict or anxiety rather than simple indecision. While it can describe physical pacing, it is more frequently used to describe a state of mental paralysis when facing a difficult choice.
Examples
He paced back and forth at the door for a long time and dared not go in.
What are you still wavering about? Hurry up and decide.
Related words
Common phrases
hesitant and unable to make a decision
full of confidence and ambition
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 猶豫, which is a more common and versatile term for general hesitation. 躊躇 often carries a slightly more literary or dramatic weight, making it sound more formal than 猶豫 in everyday conversation.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
