Definition
优柔寡断 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'indecisive' — literally 'gentle, soft, lacking in decision'. It describes someone who hesitates too much and can't make up their mind, especially when facing important choices. Common in both spoken and written Chinese to criticize a lack of assertiveness.
idiom
indecisiveirresolute
Examples
- 优柔寡断，。Tā tài yōu róu guǎ duàn le, lián xuǎn shénme zhuānyè dōu ná bú dìng zhǔyi.He's so indecisive — he can't even decide on a major.
- 优柔寡断，。Zuò lǐngdǎo bù néng yōu róu guǎ duàn, fǒuzé tuánduì huì shīqù fāngxiàng.A leader can't be indecisive, or the team will lose direction.
- 优柔寡断，。Tā zǒng shì yōu róu guǎ duàn, měi cì gòuwù dōu yào yóuyù bàntiān.She's always indecisive — she hesitates for ages every time she shops.
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