优柔寡断

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: yōu róu guǎ duàn
• English Translation: Indecisive (Lacking the power to decide)
• Idiom Composition: 「优柔」（Hesitant or soft (literally 'leisurely' and 'soft,' implying a lack of firmness)）＋「寡」（Few or lacking）＋「断」（To decide or make a judgment）
• Meaning: Hesitating when dealing with matters and being unable to make a firm decision. It describes a weak character or attitude that lacks decisiveness, often used in a derogatory or critical sense.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「优柔寡断」 contains the following nuances:

• Lack of Decisiveness: Unlike being 'cautious,' this idiom carries a strong nuance of criticizing 'weakness' or 'slowness' when a decision is required.
• Character Trait: It is often used to describe a person's inherent personality or behavioral pattern rather than just a temporary moment of hesitation.

3. Usage

「优柔寡断」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Criticizing Character: Used to point out a lack of leadership or a personal flaw in someone's character.
  • Example:「作为公司的领导，他太过优柔寡断，错过了很多市场良机。」
    （As the company leader, he was too indecisive, causing him to miss many market opportunities.）
• Advice or Warning: Used in urgent situations to urge someone to make a decision without further hesitation.
  • Example:「现在情况紧急，你必须立刻做出决定，不能再优柔寡断了。」
    （The situation is urgent now; you must make a decision immediately and stop being so irresolute.）
• Relationships: Used to criticize a wishy-washy attitude in romantic or interpersonal relationships.
  • Example:「他在感情上总是优柔寡断，结果伤害了两个女孩。」
    （He was always indecisive in his relationships, and as a result, he hurt two girls.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这种优柔寡断的性格如果不改，将来很难成大事。
   （If you don't change this indecisive personality, it will be hard to achieve great things in the future.）
2. 面对两难的选择，他显得有些优柔寡断。
   （Faced with a dilemma, he seemed a bit irresolute.）
3. 与其优柔寡断，不如放手一搏。
   （Instead of being indecisive, it's better to just give it a try.）
4. 办事要干脆利落，切忌优柔寡断。
   （Work should be handled efficiently; one must avoid being indecisive.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Source: This idiom originates from the 'Signs of Ruin' (亡征 - Wáng Zhēng) chapter of the Han Feizi (韩非子). The original expression was 柔茹而寡断 (róu rú ér guǎ duàn), meaning 'soft and lacking decision.'
• Historical Context: Han Fei (韩非), a representative of Legalist philosophy, demanded strict and swift decisions from monarchs. He viewed such indecisiveness as a sign that could lead to the downfall of a state.
• Linguistic Note: While the English word 'indecisive' can be neutral, 优柔寡断 (yōu róu guǎ duàn) is almost always used as a criticism of one's character.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 犹豫不决 (yóu yù bù jué): Hesitating and unable to decide; the most common synonym for general indecision.link
  • 举棋不定 (jǔ qí bù dìng): Literally 'holding a chess piece without knowing where to move'; describes hesitating while observing a situation.
  • 瞻前顾后 (zhān qián gù hòu): To be overly cautious and hesitant, considering too many things before acting.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 当机立断 (dāng jī lì duàn): Making a prompt decision as soon as the opportunity arises.
  • 斩钉截铁 (zhǎn dīng jié tiě): Literally 'cutting through a nail or iron'; being resolute and decisive in words and actions.
  • 毫不犹豫 (háo bù yóu yù): To not hesitate at all.link
  • 勇往直前 (yǒng wǎng zhí qián): To advance bravely and directly without hesitation.link

6. Summary

The idiom 优柔寡断 (yōu róu guǎ duàn) is used to criticize a weak character that cannot make firm decisions. It is frequently used in negative contexts to point out a lack of leadership or a wishy-washy attitude.