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Kotomora

躇

hesitate

Strokes19

Readings

On'yomi

  • チョ
  • チャク

Kun'yomi

  • ためら.う

Meaning

躇 centers on hesitation: pausing or wavering before acting, often due to uncertainty or reluctance.

Most common words using 躇

  • 躊躇ちゅうちょ
    N1

    hesitation; indecision; vacillation

  • 躊躇うためらう
    N2

    to hesitate; to waver

  • 躊躇いためらい

    faltering; hesitation

  • 躊躇いながらためらいながら

    with hesitation; haltingly; falteringly; reluctantly

  • 躊躇わずにためらわずに

    without hesitation; without a qualm; at the drop of a hat

  • 躊躇逡巡ちゅうちょしゅんじゅん

    hesitation and vacillation

Explore all words using 躇 →

Study

Etymology

躇 combines 足 (foot) with 著, which likely contributes the sound. The foot radical suggests a connection to movement or stopping, fitting the idea of hesitating in one's steps.

Meaning mnemonic

The foot radical 足 suggests a step, and the right side 著 looks like something notable or marked. Picture your foot pausing before a marked spot, hesitating to step forward.

Reading mnemonic

For チョ, imagine hesitating before choosing (チョイス, choice) a path: チョイス -> チョ, and your foot stops while you decide.