B1 verb Neutral 2 Min. Lesezeit

征求

zheng qiu t͡ʂəŋ˥ kʰjoʊ̯˧˥
Practice it

Overview

The Chinese word '征求' (zhēngqiú) is a versatile verb that translates broadly to 'to solicit,' 'to seek,' or 'to ask for.' It implies a more formal and often proactive act of requesting something, whether it be opinions, feedback, information, or even physical items. Unlike a simple 'ask' (问 wèn), '征求' suggests a more deliberate and organized effort to gather input or resources.

Breaking down the characters, '征' (zhēng) can mean 'to levy,' 'to征用' (to requisition), or 'to go on an expedition.' In the context of '征求,' it lends a nuance of active pursuit or collection. '求' (qiú) means 'to seek,' 'to request,' or 'to beg.' When combined, '征求' thus conveys a directed and often public or semi-public request.

Its usage often appears in contexts where an entity (a person, an organization, or a government body) is looking for input from a group of people. For example, '征求意见' (zhēngqiú yìjiàn) is a very common phrase meaning 'to solicit opinions' or 'to seek feedback.' This could be in the context of a public consultation on a new policy, a company asking for employee suggestions, or a writer seeking critiques on their draft.

Another frequent application is '征求同意' (zhēngqiú tóngyì), meaning 'to seek consent' or 'to ask for approval.' This might be used when a parent seeks permission from their child's school, or when a business needs a client's sign-off on a project. The formality of '征求' makes it suitable for situations where official authorization or agreement is necessary.

Furthermore, '征求' can be used for seeking talent or contributions, such as '征求稿件' (zhēngqiú gǎojiàn) – 'to solicit manuscripts' – or '征求人才' (zhēngqiú réncái) – 'to seek talented individuals.' In these cases, it implies an open call for submissions or applications.

In essence, '征求' goes beyond a casual inquiry. It denotes a structured and often publicly declared intention to gather specific information, feedback, or resources from others. Its formality and active nature make it a key term in administrative, journalistic, and academic discourse, as well as in everyday situations requiring official requests or consultations.

Beispiele

1

我们需要征求一下大家的意见。

日常对话

We need to solicit everyone's opinions.

2

公司正在征求新的设计方案。

商务

The company is seeking new design proposals.

3

他征求了医生的建议。

日常对话

He asked for the doctor's advice.

4

博物馆正在征求捐赠。

公共事务

The museum is soliciting donations.

5

政府正在征求公众对新政策的看法。

政治

The government is seeking public opinion on the new policy.

Häufige Kollokationen

征求意见
征求稿件
征求同意
征求办法

Wird oft verwechselt mit

征求 vs 争取

征求 (zhēngqiú) means to solicit, to seek, or to ask for. It implies actively seeking opinions, suggestions, or help from others. For example, '征求意见' (zhēngqiú yìjiàn) means to solicit opinions. 争取 (zhēngqǔ) means to strive for, to fight for, or to win over. It implies making an effort to obtain something or to achieve a goal, often through competition or persuasion. For example, '争取胜利' (zhēngqǔ shènglì) means to strive for victory. The key difference lies in the direction of the action: 征求 is about *asking for input* from others, while 争取 is about *making an effort to get* something for oneself or a group.

征求 vs 寻求

征求 (zhēngqiú) means to solicit, to seek, or to ask for, specifically implying the act of actively gathering opinions, suggestions, or help from others. It often suggests a more formal or official process of collecting input. For example, '征求公众意见' (zhēngqiú gōngzhòng yìjiàn) means to solicit public opinion. 寻求 (xúnqiú) means to seek, to look for, or to pursue, and it has a broader application. It can refer to seeking abstract things like truth or knowledge, or concrete things like a job or a solution. It doesn't necessarily imply soliciting from others, but rather a more general act of searching. For example, '寻求帮助' (xúnqiú bāngzhù) means to seek help, which can be done without formally soliciting opinions from multiple people. The main distinction is that 征求 is specifically about *soliciting input* from others, whereas 寻求 is a more general term for *searching or pursuing* something.

Grammatikmuster

征求意见 (zhēngqiú yìjiàn) - to solicit opinions 征求建议 (zhēngqiú jiànyì) - to solicit suggestions 征求同意 (zhēngqiú tóngyì) - to ask for consent

How to Use It

Nutzungshinweise

When using '征求' (zhēngqiú), it's important to understand that it usually precedes the item or input being sought. For example, you would say '征求意见' (zhēngqiú yìjiàn) to mean 'to solicit opinions,' '征求稿件' (zhēngqiú gǎojiàn) for 'to seek submissions (e.g., articles, manuscripts),' or '征求志愿者' (zhēngqiú zhìyuànzhě) for 'to ask for volunteers.' It's less common to use it for personal or informal requests. The tone is generally polite but firm, indicating a clear purpose. It can be used in both written and spoken Chinese, often appearing in official announcements, invitations, or public notices. It emphasizes the act of making an open call to a wider audience, as opposed to targeting specific individuals for a request.

Häufige Fehler

A common mistake is to confuse '征求' with '寻求' (xúnqiú). While both mean 'to seek,' '征求' specifically implies soliciting opinions, comments, or advice from others, often in a formal or public manner. '寻求' is a more general term for seeking anything, such as opportunities, solutions, or personal gain. For example, you would '征求意见' (solicit opinions) but '寻求帮助' (seek help) or '寻求机会' (seek opportunities).

Tips

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Usage Contexts for '征求'

'征求' is often used when actively seeking opinions, feedback, or permission. It implies a formal and intentional request, rather than a casual inquiry. For example, you might '征求意见' (solicit opinions) on a proposal, or '征求同意' (seek agreement) before proceeding with a plan. It's common in official or professional settings. You wouldn't typically '征求' a friend's casual thoughts on a movie, but rather '问问' (ask).

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Distinguishing '征求' from similar words

While '征求' means to solicit or seek, it's more formal than '寻求' (to seek/look for), which can be used for both tangible and intangible things in a broader sense. '征求' specifically implies asking for something that requires input, approval, or a response from others. '要求' (to demand/request) is stronger and implies a right or an expectation, whereas '征求' is more about gathering input. '请教' (to ask for advice/consult) is specifically about seeking advice or guidance from someone knowledgeable.

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Key phrases and applications of '征求'

Some common and useful phrases with '征求' include: - '征求意见' (zhēngqiú yìjiàn): to solicit opinions/feedback - '征求同意' (zhēngqiú tóngyì): to seek agreement/permission - '征求建议' (zhēngqiú jiànyì): to solicit suggestions - '征求稿件' (zhēngqiú gǎojiàn): to solicit contributions (e.g., articles for a publication) - '征求志愿者' (zhēngqiú zhìyuànzhě): to call for volunteers These phrases highlight its use in situations requiring collective input or formal approval.

Wortherkunft

200+ WORDS origin history.

Kultureller Kontext

The word '征求' (zhēngqiú) in Chinese carries a formal and often official connotation, implying a process of actively seeking input, opinions, or specific items from a group or individuals. It's commonly used in contexts where a public or organizational request is being made, such as soliciting public comments on a new policy, seeking contributions for a charity event, or asking for volunteers for a project. It suggests a structured approach to gathering what is needed, rather than a casual inquiry. While it translates to 'to solicit' or 'to seek,' its cultural usage often aligns with public calls or formal appeals, reflecting a value placed on collective participation and consensus-building in many Chinese social and political contexts.

Merkhilfe

The character '征' (zhēng) means 'to征服 (conquer)' or 'to expedition,' implying a proactive search. The character '求' (qiú) means 'to seek' or 'to request.' Together, '征求' suggests actively seeking or soliciting something. Imagine going on an 'expedition' to 'seek' out opinions or information.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

4 Fragen

'征求' (zhēngqiú) is a Chinese word that means 'to solicit,' 'to seek,' or 'to ask for.' It implies a formal or earnest request for something, often opinions, suggestions, information, or even goods and services. It's used in contexts where there's an active effort to gather or obtain something from others, and it often suggests that the things being sought are valuable or important, requiring careful consideration or effort on the part of those being asked.

'征求' is frequently used in various contexts. For instance, you might hear '征求意见' (zhēngqiú yìjiàn), meaning 'to solicit opinions,' or '征求建议' (zhēngqiú jiànyì), which translates to 'to seek suggestions.' It can also be used in more formal announcements, like '征求稿件' (zhēngqiú gǎojiàn), meaning 'to solicit manuscripts,' or '征求志愿者' (zhēngqiú zhìyuànzhě), indicating a call for volunteers. The key is that it always implies an active appeal to others.

Yes, there are several related terms and synonyms that convey similar meanings but with slight nuances. For example, '请求' (qǐngqiú) means 'to request' or 'to ask,' often a more general term than '征求.' '募集' (mùjí) means 'to raise' or 'to collect,' often used for funds or donations. '寻求' (xúnqiú) means 'to seek' or 'to look for,' often implying a less formal search. '征集' (zhēngjí) is quite similar to '征求,' also meaning 'to solicit' or 'to collect,' often for something specific like articles or donations. Each has its own specific contexts where it's most appropriate.

Certainly! A common example would be: '我们正在广泛征求社会各界的意见，以便改进我们的服务。' (Wǒmen zhèngzài guǎngfàn zhēngqiú shèhuì gèjiè de yìjiàn, yǐbiàn gǎijìn wǒmen de fúwù.) This translates to: 'We are widely soliciting opinions from all sectors of society in order to improve our services.' This sentence clearly illustrates the active and broad nature of seeking input implied by '征求.'

Teste dich selbst

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公司正在___产品改进的建议。

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
fill blank

我们___志愿者参与社区服务。

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
fill blank

他___了医生的意见，决定进行手术。

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Ergebnis: /3

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