zi1趑

Jyutpingzi1

Yalejī

Definition

To hesitate, falter, or prevent movement.

writtendescriptions

How it's used

This character is almost exclusively used in the compound 趑趄, which describes someone who is hesitant, indecisive, or walking with an unsteady gait. It carries a literary nuance and is rarely used as a standalone verb in modern spoken Cantonese. You will mostly encounter it in formal writing or when someone is being particularly descriptive about a person's lack of confidence.

Examples

keoi5佢haang4行lou6路，hou2好ci5似geng1驚dit3跌gam3咁。

He walks falteringly, as if he is afraid of falling.

zou6做je5嘢m4唔hou2好，faai3快di1啲kyut3決ding6定laa1啦。

Don't hesitate when doing things, make a decision quickly.

Common phrases

hesitating to move forward

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 遲疑, which is the more common, neutral way to express hesitation. Using 趑趄 in casual conversation might sound overly formal or even slightly pretentious.