迟疑: meaning, pinyin, and usage

Understanding "迟疑" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 迟疑
• Pinyin: chí yí
• Literal Meaning: “slow/delayed” + “doubt/suspicion”
• Primary Meaning: to hesitate; to be uncertain and slow to make a decision or take action

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage: 迟疑 is used when someone pauses, hesitates, or cannot decide quickly because they feel uncertain, doubtful, or cautious. It often describes a person’s inner hesitation before speaking, acting, agreeing, or making a choice. Compared with simple “waiting,” 迟疑 emphasizes mental uncertainty or lack of decisiveness. It can be used in both spoken and written Chinese, but it sounds a little more formal or literary than everyday words like 犹豫.

• Character Breakdown:

• 迟: late, slow, delayed. This character gives the sense of not acting immediately.
• 疑: doubt, suspicion, uncertainty. This character gives the sense of mental doubt or hesitation.

Together, 迟疑 suggests “being slow because of doubt,” which is why it means “to hesitate.”

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 他迟疑了一下，才回答我的问题。
• Pinyin: Tā chí yí le yí xià, cái huí dá wǒ de wèn tí.

• English: He hesitated for a moment before answering my question.

• Chinese: 面对这个重要决定，她显得有些迟疑。

• Pinyin: Miàn duì zhè ge zhòng yào jué dìng, tā xiǎn de yǒu xiē chí yí.

• English: Facing this important decision, she seemed somewhat hesitant.

• Chinese: 如果你有问题，不要迟疑，马上告诉我。

• Pinyin: Rú guǒ nǐ yǒu wèn tí, bú yào chí yí, mǎ shàng gào sù wǒ.
• English: If you have any questions, don’t hesitate; tell me right away.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

迟疑 often appears in descriptions of decision-making, conversations, or emotional reactions. In Chinese communication, especially in formal or polite situations, a person may 迟疑 before refusing, disagreeing, or giving a direct answer. This hesitation can sometimes show politeness, caution, or respect for the situation rather than simple indecision.

A useful related word is 犹豫, which also means “to hesitate.” In many situations, 迟疑 and 犹豫 overlap. However, 迟疑 can emphasize a brief pause or moment of doubt before action, while 犹豫 often emphasizes being stuck between choices for a longer time.

Conclusion

迟疑 means “to hesitate” or “to be slow to act because of doubt.” Remember it through its characters: 迟 means “slow or delayed,” and 疑 means “doubt.” Together, they describe the feeling of pausing because you are uncertain what to do next.