Definition
踌躇不前 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'to hesitate to move forward' — it describes a state of indecision or reluctance to proceed, often due to fear, doubt, or uncertainty. It's more formal and literary than the simpler 犹豫 (yóuyù, 'to hesitate') and is used in written or elevated speech. You'll see it in contexts like decision-making, career moves, or historical narratives.
f.e.
to hesitate to advanceto be stuck in indecision
Examples
- ，踌躇不前。Miàn duì zhège jīhuì, tā què chóu chú bú.Faced with this opportunity, he hesitated to move forward.
- 踌躇不前，。Tā zhàn zài ménkǒu chóu chú bú, bù gǎn jìn qù.He stood at the door, hesitating and not daring to go in.
- ，踌躇不前。Zài kùnnán miànqián, wǒmen bù néng chóu chú bú.In the face of difficulty, we cannot hesitate to move forward.
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