迟疑 chíyí to hesitate
How to remember 迟疑: 迟 late + 疑 to doubt = to hesitate.
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How it is used
- To hesitate / waver before acting - 他迟疑了一下才回答 (tā chíyí le yíxià cái huídá) he hesitated a moment before answering.
- Momentary indecision, often visible in a pause (毫不迟疑 without the slightest hesitation).
- 迟疑 is the brief hesitation in the moment; 犹豫 (yóuyù) is close and often interchangeable but can span longer wavering over a decision.