====== yóuyùbùjué: 犹豫不决 - Indecisive, Hesitant, To Waver ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** youyubujue, 犹豫不决, indecisive in Chinese, hesitate in Chinese, Chinese idiom for hesitation, what does youyubujue mean, how to use 犹豫不决, Chinese chengyu, making decisions in Chinese
  * **Summary:** Learn the meaning and usage of the Chinese idiom **犹豫不决 (yóuyù bù jué)**, which means to be indecisive, hesitant, or unable to make a final decision. This guide breaks down the characters, explores the cultural importance of decisiveness in China, and provides 10 practical example sentences. Understand how to use "yóuyù bù jué" correctly and distinguish it from similar concepts to sound more like a native speaker.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** yóu yù bù jué
  * **Part of Speech:** Chengyu (Idiom) / Adjective
  * **HSK Level:** HSK 5/6
  * **Concise Definition:** To be unable to make up one's mind; to hesitate and be indecisive.
  * **In a Nutshell:** 犹豫不决 describes the state of being stuck in a loop of uncertainty, unable to commit to a course of action. It's not just about taking time to think; it's about the frustrating inability to reach a conclusion. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of resolve or confidence.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **犹 (yóu):** This character can mean "as if" or "still." One popular etymological story links it to an ancient, cautious type of monkey that was always looking around before acting.
  * **豫 (yù):** This character also means "to hesitate."
  * **不 (bù):** A simple and common character meaning "no" or "not."
  * **决 (jué):** To decide, to determine, or to resolve.
The first two characters, **犹豫 (yóuyù)**, form a standalone word meaning "to hesitate." Adding **不决 (bù jué)**, "not decide," intensifies this meaning, creating a four-character idiom that paints a vivid picture of someone who hesitates and simply cannot make a decision.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
In Chinese culture, particularly in contexts of leadership, business, or family responsibility, decisiveness (果断 - guǒduàn) is often highly valued. Being **犹豫不决** can be perceived as a sign of weakness, inexperience, or an inability to lead effectively.
This contrasts with some Western perspectives where a prolonged decision-making process might be praised as being "thorough," "analytical," or "cautious." While careful consideration is also valued in China, **犹豫不决** specifically captures the negative outcome of that process: getting stuck. It implies that the person has had enough time and information but is still paralyzed by indecision. Therefore, describing someone as **犹豫不决** is often a mild criticism, suggesting they lack the necessary firmness or courage to move forward.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
This idiom is common in both spoken and written Chinese and is understood by everyone.
  * **Describing a Personality Trait:** It's often used to describe a person's general character. For example, "他是个很犹豫不决的人" (He is a very indecisive person).
  * **Describing a Specific Situation:** It can describe a temporary state of being unable to decide on a specific matter, from something small like ordering food to something big like a career change.
  * **Connotation:** The connotation is almost always negative or, at best, a neutral description of a frustrating state. It is not a compliment. It implies a lack of efficiency and confidence.
  * **Formality:** As a *chengyu*, it has a slightly formal and literary feel, but it is perfectly acceptable and widely used in everyday conversation.
===== Example Sentences =====
  * **Example 1:** 
    * 面对两个工作机会，他**犹豫不决**，不知道该选哪个。
    * Pinyin: Miàn duì liǎng gè gōngzuò jīhuì, tā **yóuyù bù jué**, bù zhīdào gāi xuǎn nǎge.
    * English: Faced with two job opportunities, he was indecisive, not knowing which one to choose.
    * Analysis: This is a classic use case, describing a significant life choice where indecision is understandable but still a source of stress.
  * **Example 2:** 
    * 你快点决定吧，别再**犹豫不决**了，我们快迟到了！
    * Pinyin: Nǐ kuài diǎn juédìng ba, bié zài **yóuyù bù jué** le, wǒmen kuài chídào le!
    * English: Make a decision quickly, stop being so indecisive, we're going to be late!
    * Analysis: Here, the term is used in an informal, slightly impatient tone, urging someone to overcome their hesitation in a time-sensitive situation.
  * **Example 3:** 
    * 他的性格就是这样，做什么事都**犹豫不决**。
    * Pinyin: Tā de xìnggé jiùshì zhèyàng, zuò shénme shì dōu **yóuyù bù jué**.
    * English: His personality is just like that; he's indecisive about everything he does.
    * Analysis: This sentence uses the idiom to describe a permanent personality trait rather than a temporary state.
  * **Example 4:** 
    * 在投资这件事上，我们不能**犹豫不决**，必须当机立断。
    * Pinyin: Zài tóuzī zhè jiàn shì shàng, wǒmen bùnéng **yóuyù bù jué**, bìxū dāngjīlìduàn.
    * English: When it comes to investing, we can't be indecisive; we must make a prompt decision.
    * Analysis: This example from a business context contrasts **犹豫不决** with its antonym, 当机立断 (dāngjīlìduàn), highlighting the negative consequences of indecision in finance.
  * **Example 5:** 
    * 我**犹豫不决**了很久，最后还是决定出国留学。
    * Pinyin: Wǒ **yóuyù bù jué** le hěnjiǔ, zuìhòu háishì juédìng chūguó liúxué.
    * English: I was indecisive for a long time, but in the end, I decided to study abroad.
    * Analysis: This shows that the state of being **犹豫不决** can be overcome. It describes the process leading up to a final, firm decision.
  * **Example 6:** 
    * 看到菜单上这么多选择，我一下子就**犹豫不决**了。
    * Pinyin: Kàn dào càidān shàng zhème duō xuǎnzé, wǒ yīxiàzi jiù **yóuyù bù jué** le.
    * English: Seeing so many options on the menu, I immediately became indecisive.
    * Analysis: This demonstrates how the idiom can be used for trivial, everyday situations, not just major life choices. It's often used with a slightly humorous or self-deprecating tone here.
  * **Example 7:** 
    * 领导最不喜欢的就是做事**犹豫不决**的下属。
    * Pinyin: Lǐngdǎo zuì bù xǐhuān de jiùshì zuòshì **yóuyù bù jué** de xiàshǔ.
    * English: What leaders dislike the most are subordinates who are indecisive in their work.
    * Analysis: This reflects the cultural value placed on decisiveness in a professional or hierarchical setting.
  * **Example 8:** 
    * 关于是否要搬家，我们全家都**犹豫不决**。
    * Pinyin: Guānyú shìfǒu yào bānjiā, wǒmen quánjiā dōu **yóuyù bù jué**.
    * English: Our whole family is indecisive about whether or not to move.
    * Analysis: This shows that a group of people, not just an individual, can be in a state of **犹豫不决**.
  * **Example 9:** 
    * 她在爱情和事业之间**犹豫不决**。
    * Pinyin: Tā zài àiqíng hé shìyè zhī jiān **yóuyù bù jué**.
    * English: She wavered between love and her career.
    * Analysis: The structure "在 A 和 B 之间犹豫不决" (zài A hé B zhī jiān yóuyù bù jué) is a very common pattern, meaning "to be indecisive between A and B."
  * **Example 10:** 
    * 别**犹豫不决**了，跟着你的感觉走吧。
    * Pinyin: Bié **yóuyù bù jué** le, gēnzhe nǐ de gǎnjué zǒu ba.
    * English: Stop being indecisive and just follow your gut feeling.
    * Analysis: This is a common piece of advice given to someone who is stuck in a state of indecision, encouraging them to trust their instincts.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
  * **Not the same as "being thoughtful":** A common mistake for learners is to equate **犹豫不决** with being careful or thoughtful. A thoughtful person analyzes options and then makes a decision. A **犹豫不决** person analyzes options and gets stuck, unable to make the final decision. The focus is on the failure to conclude.
  * **Not for momentary hesitation:** While "hesitate" in English can describe a split-second pause, **犹豫不决** implies a more significant or prolonged period of indecision. For a brief pause before speaking, a word like **迟疑 (chíyí)** is more appropriate.
    * **Incorrect:** 他**犹豫不决**了一下，然后回答了问题。(He was indecisive for a moment, then answered the question.)
    * **Correct:** 他**迟疑**了一下，然后回答了问题。(He hesitated for a moment, then answered the question.)
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * **[[果断]] (guǒduàn):** The direct antonym. It means decisive, resolute, and is a highly positive trait.
  * **[[当机立断]] (dāng jī lì duàn):** An idiom meaning "to decide on the spot" or "to make a prompt decision." A strong antonym.
  * **[[迟疑]] (chíyí):** A more general term for "to hesitate." It can describe a brief, momentary pause and is less intense than **犹豫不决**.
  * **[[举棋不定]] (jǔ qí bù dìng):** A very similar idiom. Literally "holding a chess piece, unable to decide on a move." It's more literary and vivid.
  * **[[拿不定主意]] (ná bu dìng zhǔyi):** A more colloquial and common phrase meaning "can't make up one's mind." It's a direct, everyday equivalent to **犹豫不决**.
  * **[[选择困难症]] (xuǎnzé kùnnán zhèng):** A modern, humorous, and informal term that literally translates to "choice-difficulty-syndrome." It's the Chinese equivalent of "analysis paralysis," often used for trivial choices like what to eat or what to watch.