Combined, 优柔 (yōu róu) means overly gentle or soft, while 寡断 (guǎ duàn) means “lacking in decisiveness.” The entire idiom literally translates to “gentle and soft, lacking in decisiveness,” vividly describing a person whose gentle nature prevents them from making a sharp, clear-cut decision.
In Chinese culture, decisiveness (果断 - guǒduàn) is a highly valued trait, especially in leaders, parents, and figures of authority. The ability to make a swift, firm decision is seen as a sign of strength, intelligence, and reliability. 优柔寡断, therefore, is a significant character flaw. It implies a lack of inner strength and an inability to take responsibility. While Western culture also views indecisiveness negatively, comparing it to “analysis paralysis,” 优柔寡断 is less about being overwhelmed by information and more about a fundamental weakness of will. Someone described this way is not just stuck; they are seen as fundamentally unfit for leadership or high-stakes situations. This reflects a cultural preference for clear, hierarchical action over prolonged, ambiguous deliberation in many traditional contexts.
This idiom is widely used and understood in both formal and informal contexts. It's a common way to criticize a person's character or their handling of a specific situation.
It's almost always negative and is not a term you would use to describe yourself unless you are being highly self-critical.