ลังเล

Explanation

ลังเล is a common verb used when uncertainty or divided feelings prevent someone from deciding or acting right away. It suggests more than simply thinking something over: the person is wavering or having difficulty taking the next step. Common patterns include ลังเลว่า… for being unsure whether something is the right choice, ลังเลที่จะ + verb for hesitating to do something, ไม่ลังเล for not hesitating, and โดยไม่ลังเล for doing something without hesitation. It is natural in both conversation and writing. Depending on the context, describing someone as ลังเล can sound mildly critical, suggesting that they are indecisive.

Usage

It is often used when someone cannot settle on a choice about school, work, a purchase, or an invitation, or when they feel hesitant about asking, speaking, deciding, or taking action. It also commonly appears in encouragement such as อย่าลังเลที่จะถาม, “Don't hesitate to ask.”

Caution

ลังเล does not cover every sense of “be lost” or “wonder.” Use หลงทาง for losing your way and สงสัย for wondering or suspecting. It also does not necessarily mean holding back out of politeness or consideration for others; เกรงใจ is often more appropriate for that idea.

1 hesitate synonyms

• รีรอ

  riirɔɔ hesitate

  รีรอ emphasizes delaying or holding off on an action. ลังเล focuses more on the uncertainty or divided feelings that make someone unable to decide or act.

• สองจิตสองใจ

  สองจิตสองใจ vividly describes being of two minds. ลังเล is broader and can refer either to being torn between choices or to hesitating before taking an action.