毫不犹豫

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: háo bù yóu yù
• English Translation: Without the slightest hesitation
• Idiom Composition: 「毫」（In this context, the slightest bit or a tiny amount (used to emphasize negation).）＋「不」（Not.）＋「犹豫」（To hesitate or waver (this is a compound word where the two characters together form the meaning).）
• Meaning: To act or decide immediately without any doubt or pause. It describes being extremely decisive or acting with absolute conviction, typically used in positive contexts such as showing courage or making a firm choice.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「毫不犹豫」 contains the following nuances:

• Emphasizing Absolute Negation: The character 毫 (háo) originally refers to a fine hair or a tiny unit of measurement. When used in the structure 毫不 (háo bù), it functions like 'not in the least' or 'not at all,' creating a very strong emphasis on the lack of hesitation.
• Immediacy and Conviction: The idiom implies more than just a lack of doubt; it suggests a rapid speed of action and a deep sense of certainty. It conveys that the person's mind was already made up or that their instincts were perfectly aligned with the necessary action.

3. Usage

「毫不犹豫」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Emergency Actions: Used to describe acting bravely and instantly in dangerous or urgent situations.
  • Example:「看到孩子落水，他毫不犹豫地跳进河里救人。」
    （Seeing the child fall into the water, he jumped into the river to save them without the slightest hesitation.）
• Decisions and Choices: Used to emphasize a firm will when accepting or rejecting an offer or making a life choice.
  • Example:「面对高薪职位的诱惑，他毫不犹豫地拒绝了。」
    （Faced with the temptation of a high-paying position, he rejected it unhesitatingly.）
• Support and Agreement: Indicates full and immediate support for someone else's needs or ideas.
  • Example:「如果朋友需要帮助，我会毫不犹豫地伸出援手。」
    （If a friend needs help, I will lend a hand without a second thought.）

Additional Examples:

1. 当被问及是否愿意承担这个任务时，她毫不犹豫地点了点头。
   （When asked if she was willing to take on the task, she nodded without the slightest hesitation.）
2. 为了追求梦想，他毫不犹豫地辞去了稳定的工作。
   （To pursue his dream, he quit his stable job without looking back.）
3. 对于这种不公正的待遇，我们应该毫不犹豫地提出抗议。
   （We should protest against such unfair treatment without wavering.）
4. 虽然价格很贵，但他还是毫不犹豫地买下了那件礼物。
   （Although the price was high, he still bought the gift without a moment's hesitation.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The term 犹豫 (yóu yù) is a 'lianmian' word (a binome), meaning the two characters are bound together to create one meaning. Some ancient texts suggest the characters were originally names of two suspicious animals, but in modern Chinese, it is simply the standard verb for 'to hesitate.'
• In Chinese culture, being 果断 (guǒ duàn), or decisive, is highly regarded as a sign of strong leadership, integrity, and reliability. Consequently, 毫不犹豫 (háo bù yóu yù) is frequently used as a compliment to describe someone's character.
• This is one of the most versatile idioms in the Chinese language, appearing frequently in both formal literature and everyday spoken conversation.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 当机立断 (dāng jī lì duàn): To make a prompt decision at the critical moment; to seize the opportunity to decide.
  • 斩钉截铁 (zhǎn dīng jié tiě): Literally 'cutting through nails and iron'; describing someone who is resolute and decisive in speech or action.
  • 不假思索 (bù jiǎ sī suǒ): To act or speak without thinking or hesitation.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 犹豫不决 (yóu yù bù jué): To remain undecided and waver back and forth.link
  • 优柔寡断 (yōu róu guǎ duàn): To be indecisive and lack the courage to make a firm decision.link

6. Summary

毫不犹豫 (háo bù yóu yù) is a high-frequency idiom used to describe taking immediate action or making a decision without any wavering. It is most commonly used as an adverbial phrase, often appearing as 毫不犹豫地 (háo bù yóu yù de) to modify a verb. It highlights a person's bravery in emergencies or their unwavering resolve in difficult situations.