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Expressing 'wandering' or 'hesitation' with 徘徊 (páihuái)
Direction & Movement
Manner & Method
Structure
Subject + 在 + Place + 徘徊
Explanation
The verb 徘徊 (páihuái) means 'to wander back and forth' or 'to hesitate.' It describes either physically pacing around a place without clear direction, or mentally wavering between decisions. It conveys a sense of uncertainty or restlessness.
Examples
他在门口徘徊了很久，不知道该不该进去。
Tā zài ménkǒu páihuái le hěn jiǔ, bù zhīdào gāi bù gāi jìnqù.
He lingered at the doorway for a long time, unsure whether he should go in.
她在两个工作机会之间徘徊不定。
Tā zài liǎng gè gōngzuò jīhuì zhī jiān páihuái bú dìng.
She was wavering between two job opportunities.
深夜的街头，一个人孤独地徘徊着。
Shēnyè de jiētóu, yí gè rén gūdú de páihuái zhe.
Late at night on the street, a person wandered alone.