TongTong
Sign in

寻求 (xún qiú) — to seek, to look for

Definition

A formal verb for 'seeking' an abstract goal (a solution, help, cooperation) — not a physical search like 寻找. Stronger than 求, which fits personal requests.

verb
to seekto look for

Examples

  • 寻求。
    Tā men zhèng zài xún qiú hé píng de jiě jué bàn fǎ.
    They are seeking a peaceful solution.
  • 寻求。
    Hěn duō bì yè shēng zài xún qiú lǐ xiǎng de gōng zuò.
    Many graduates are seeking ideal jobs.
  • 寻求。
    Nǐ yīng gāi xún qiú fǎ lǜ fāng miàn de bāng zhù.
    You should seek legal help.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

寻xúnseek
求qiúseek

寻 (seek) + 求 (seek) together express looking for something.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

寻 is formed from 又 (hand) and 寸 (hand).

Open 寻 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

求 began as a drawing of a centipede.

Open 求 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 65000 Most Frequent Chinese Words

Browse more HSK 6 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.