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