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A2 verb #2,000 am häufigsten 5 Min. Lesezeit

寻求

xúnqiú
At the A1 level, you don't need to use '寻求' (xúnqiú) very often. You will mostly use the simple word '找' (zhǎo) to say 'to look for'. For example, '我在找我的猫' (I am looking for my cat). However, you might see '寻求' in very simple signs or formal notices, like '寻求帮助' (seeking help). At this stage, just remember that '寻求' is a 'fancy' way to say 'look for' when you are asking for something important like help or an answer. It is formal and polite. You won't use it to find your shoes or your friend. You use it when you need something serious. Think of it as 'searching for a solution'. If you are in a classroom and you need help from a teacher, you might '寻求帮助'. It sounds very respectful. Most A1 students will stick to '找', but knowing '寻求' helps you understand formal Chinese you might see in public places or in books.
At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more formal vocabulary. '寻求' (xúnqiú) is a great word to add to your list of verbs. It means 'to seek' or 'to search for'. You should start using it when you talk about abstract things. For example, instead of saying '我找帮助' (which sounds a bit like a child speaking), you can say '我寻求帮助' (I seek help). This makes you sound more educated. At A2, you will mostly use it with words like '帮助' (help), '答案' (answer), or '建议' (advice). You might say, '我们需要寻求新的方法' (We need to seek new methods). Notice how '方法' (method) is not a physical thing you can touch—it's an idea. That is the secret to using '寻求'. If you can't touch it with your hands, '寻求' is often a better choice than '找'. It is common in short stories or simple news articles you might read at this level. It shows you are moving from 'survival Chinese' to 'expressive Chinese'.
By B1, you should be comfortable using '寻求' (xúnqiú) in written assignments and formal conversations. This level requires you to distinguish between different types of 'searching'. You should use '寻求' when the object is a resource, a goal, or a solution. Common B1 phrases include '寻求合作' (seeking cooperation) and '寻求支持' (seeking support). For instance, if you are writing a letter to a company, you might write, '我们希望能与贵公司寻求合作机会' (We hope to seek cooperation opportunities with your company). This sounds professional. You will also encounter '寻求' in more complex grammar structures, like '寻求...的途径' (seeking a way to...). At B1, you should also understand that '寻求' is often modified by adverbs like '积极' (actively) or '努力' (striving to). This adds more detail to your sentences. You are no longer just 'looking' for things; you are 'actively seeking' strategic outcomes. This word is essential for passing the HSK 4 exam and for participating in business or academic discussions in Chinese.
At the B2 level, '寻求' (xúnqiú) becomes a versatile tool for nuanced expression. You will use it to describe complex social and professional dynamics. You should be able to use it in the context of '寻求共识' (seeking consensus) or '寻求平衡' (seeking balance). These are abstract concepts that require a formal verb. At this level, you will also see '寻求' used in passive constructions or as part of a larger noun phrase, such as '寻求真相的过程' (the process of seeking the truth). You should also be able to distinguish '寻求' from '追求' (to pursue) and '探求' (to explore/seek). While '寻求' is about obtaining a specific outcome or resource, '追求' is often about a lifelong passion or a high ideal, and '探求' is about deep research. Understanding these subtle differences is key to B2 proficiency. You will hear this word in podcasts about society, read it in editorials, and use it in debates to express what a group or a nation is trying to achieve. It is a 'power word' that conveys intent and seriousness.
For C1 learners, '寻求' (xúnqiú) is used with high-level abstract and technical nouns. You will encounter it in legal, political, and philosophical texts. For example, '寻求政治庇护' (seeking political asylum) is a specific legal term. You might also see '寻求司法公正' (seeking judicial justice) or '寻求技术突破' (seeking technological breakthroughs). At this level, you should be able to use '寻求' to discuss macro-level trends. For example, '在全球化背景下，各国都在寻求互利共赢的模式' (In the context of globalization, all countries are seeking models of mutual benefit and win-win results). You should also be aware of its usage in classical-leaning modern prose, where it might be paired with single-character objects for rhythmic effect. Your ability to use '寻求' correctly in a high-stakes environment—like a business negotiation or a university lecture—will demonstrate your near-native command of the language's formal register. You should also be able to identify when '寻求' is being used rhetorically to emphasize a lack of something that is desperately needed.
At the C2 level, '寻求' (xúnqiú) is integrated into your vocabulary with total precision. You understand its stylistic weight and can use it to create specific tones in your writing. You might use it in a philosophical treatise: '人类始终在寻求存在的意义' (Humanity has always been seeking the meaning of existence). You are also aware of its collocations in specialized fields like international law, advanced economics, and literary criticism. At this level, you can manipulate the word within complex, multi-clause sentences without losing clarity. You understand the historical evolution of the characters '寻' and '求' and how their combination reflects a specific type of 'striving search' that is central to Chinese intellectual history. You can also critique the use of '寻求' in others' writing, noting if it sounds too clichéd or if it perfectly captures the gravity of a situation. For a C2 learner, '寻求' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a precise instrument for articulating the deepest human and societal aspirations.
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寻求 in 30 Sekunden

  • 寻求 (xúnqiú) is a formal verb meaning 'to seek' or 'to search for' abstract goals.
  • It is primarily used with non-physical objects like help, support, or consensus.
  • Commonly found in news, business, and academic contexts to show professional intent.
  • Distinguish it from '找' (physical searching) and '追求' (pursuing dreams/romance).

The Chinese verb 寻求 (xúnqiú) is a sophisticated and formal term used to describe the act of seeking, searching for, or attempting to obtain something, typically of an abstract or significant nature. Unlike the common verb 找 (zhǎo), which is used for physical objects like keys or people, 寻求 implies a more purposeful, deliberate, and often long-term quest. It is frequently paired with concepts like help, truth, solutions, or consensus.

Core Concept
The pursuit of a goal, resource, or state of being that is not immediately present.
Tone
Formal, professional, and literary. Commonly found in news, academic writing, and business contexts.
Typical Objects
Abstract nouns such as 帮助 (help), 合作 (cooperation), 发展 (development), and 答案 (answers).

“我们正在积极寻求解决问题的最佳方案。”

— (We are actively seeking the best solution to the problem.)

In a broader linguistic context, 寻求 consists of two characters: 寻 (xún) meaning 'to search' and 求 (qiú) meaning 'to request' or 'to strive for'. Together, they create a sense of 'searching with a request' or 'searching with a strong desire to obtain'. This nuance is why it is the preferred term in diplomacy and corporate strategy. For instance, a country might 寻求和平 (seek peace), or a company might 寻求市场扩张 (seek market expansion). It suggests a level of gravity and importance that simple searching lacks.

“在困难时期，他向朋友们寻求精神上的支持。”

— (During difficult times, he sought emotional support from his friends.)

When you use this word, you are signaling to your audience that the object of your search is valuable and that the process is intentional. It is not an accidental finding; it is a targeted pursuit. In modern Mandarin, it bridges the gap between classical literary Chinese and contemporary formal speech, making it an essential tool for HSK 4 and above learners who wish to sound more professional and precise.

Using 寻求 (xúnqiú) correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement and its collocational preferences. As a transitive verb, it directly precedes its object. However, unlike many verbs that can take both physical and abstract objects, 寻求 is almost exclusively reserved for the abstract.

1. The Basic Structure

The most common structure is: Subject + [Adverb] + 寻求 + [Abstract Noun].

  • 寻求帮助 (xúnqiú bāngzhù): To seek help.
  • 寻求合作 (xúnqiú hézuò): To seek cooperation.
  • 寻求突破 (xúnqiú tūpò): To seek a breakthrough.

科学家们正在寻求治愈这种疾病的方法。

(Scientists are seeking a way to cure this disease.)

2. Common Adverbial Modifiers

Because 寻求 is a deliberate action, it is often paired with adverbs that emphasize the intensity or nature of the search:

积极 (jījí) - Actively
积极寻求 (Actively seeking)
努力 (nǔlì) - Effortfully
努力寻求 (Striving to seek)
不断 (búduàn) - Constantly
不断寻求 (Constantly seeking)

In formal documents, you will often see 寻求 used in the passive voice or in complex sentence structures involving 以期 (in order to) or 旨在 (aimed at). For example: “该政策旨在寻求社会公平。” (This policy aims to seek social equity.)

You are likely to encounter 寻求 (xúnqiú) in several specific domains of Chinese life and media. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word's inherent 'weight'.

1. News and Politics

In news broadcasts (like CCTV's Xinwen Lianbo), 寻求 is a staple. It describes diplomatic efforts, policy goals, and international relations. Phrases like 寻求共识 (seeking consensus) or 寻求政治解决 (seeking a political solution) are ubiquitous in reports about international conflicts or trade negotiations.

“两国领导人表示将继续寻求扩大经贸合作。”

(The leaders of the two countries stated they would continue to seek expansion of economic and trade cooperation.)

2. Business and Finance

In the corporate world, companies 寻求投资 (seek investment), 寻求上市 (seek to go public), or 寻求合作伙伴 (seek partners). It implies a strategic move rather than a casual inquiry.

3. Academic and Scientific Research

Researchers 寻求真理 (seek truth) or 寻求证据 (seek evidence). In this context, it carries a sense of intellectual rigor and dedication. If a paper says a study 寻求验证假设, it means it is rigorously testing a hypothesis.

Even advanced learners often stumble when distinguishing 寻求 (xúnqiú) from its synonyms. Here are the most frequent errors:

  • ✘

    Confusing with 找 (zhǎo)

    Mistake: 他在寻求他的钥匙。 (He is seeking his keys.)
    Correction: 他在找他的钥匙。
    Reason: 寻求 is for abstract concepts; 找 is for physical objects.

  • ✘

    Confusing with 追求 (zhuīqiú)

    Mistake: 他寻求那个女孩。 (He seeks that girl.)
    Correction: 他追求那个女孩。
    Reason: 追求 implies 'pursuing' or 'courting' (goals, dreams, or people), while 寻求 is 'searching for' (help, solutions).

  • ✘

    Redundancy with 寻找 (xúnzhǎo)

    While similar, 寻找 is broader. You can 寻找 a lost child, but you wouldn't 寻求 a lost child. 寻求 implies the object is a resource or a solution you need to obtain.

Usage Error: Wrong Object
Don't use 寻求 with specific, concrete nouns like 'apple', 'car', or 'book'.
Grammar Error: Lack of Object
寻求 is a transitive verb. It almost always needs an object. You can't just say 'I am seeking' without saying what.

To master 寻求 (xúnqiú), you must understand where it sits in the family of 'search' verbs in Chinese.

寻找 (xúnzhǎo)

The most neutral and common word for 'to look for'. Can be used for people, things, or abstract concepts. Less formal than 寻求.

追求 (zhuīqiú)

To pursue. Used for dreams, high ideals, or romantic interests. Implies a long-term chase.

搜寻 (sōuxún)

To search/scour. Usually implies a physical search over a wide area, like a search-and-rescue mission.

探求 (tànqiú)

To explore and seek. Often used in scientific or philosophical contexts (e.g., exploring the laws of nature).

How Formal Is It?

Formell

""

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

我寻求帮助。

I seek help.

Subject + Verb + Object

2

他寻求一个答案。

He seeks an answer.

Simple transitive use.

3

我们要寻求朋友。

We want to seek friends.

Using '要' as a modal verb.

4

请寻求医生的建议。

Please seek a doctor's advice.

Imperative sentence.

5

她在寻求新工作。

She is seeking a new job.

Continuous action with '在'.

6

他们寻求快乐。

They seek happiness.

Abstract object.

7

寻求老师的帮助。

Seek the teacher's help.

Verb-Object phrase.

8

你不必寻求他的许可。

You don't need to seek his permission.

Negative form with '不必'.

1

我们正在寻求解决办法。

We are seeking a solution.

Use of '正在' for ongoing action.

2

他向父母寻求建议。

He sought advice from his parents.

Structure: 向 + Someone + 寻求 + Something.

3

公司在寻求新的机会。

The company is seeking new opportunities.

Business context.

4

你需要寻求专业的支持。

You need to seek professional support.

Using '需要' (need).

5

他在寻求改变现状的方法。

He is seeking a way to change the current situation.

Complex object phrase.

6

我们寻求更简单的生活。

We seek a simpler life.

Descriptive adjective with object.

7

寻求真相并不容易。

Seeking the truth is not easy.

Verb phrase as subject.

8

她寻求加入我们的团队。

She seeks to join our team.

寻求 + Verb phrase as object.

1

该组织致力于寻求世界和平。

The organization is dedicated to seeking world peace.

致力于 (dedicated to) + 寻求.

2

我们必须寻求双方都能接受的方案。

We must seek a solution acceptable to both parties.

Relative clause modifying the object.

3

他积极寻求提升自己技能的途径。

He actively seeks ways to improve his skills.

Adverb '积极' (actively).

4

在危机中，政府寻求国际援助。

During the crisis, the government sought international aid.

Formal political context.

5

科学家们不断寻求科学突破。

Scientists constantly seek scientific breakthroughs.

Adverb '不断' (constantly).

6

寻求合作是我们的首要任务。

Seeking cooperation is our top priority.

Gerund-like usage as subject.

7

他在寻求一种表达情感的新方式。

He is seeking a new way to express emotions.

Complex noun phrase.

8

我们应该寻求法律途径解决纠纷。

We should seek legal means to resolve the dispute.

Specific professional context.

1

双方都在寻求建立长期的战略伙伴关系。

Both sides are seeking to establish a long-term strategic partnership.

Formal diplomatic language.

2

寻求经济增长与环境保护之间的平衡。

Seeking a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

Balance (平衡) is a common object.

3

他试图在传统与现代之间寻求契合点。

He tried to seek a point of convergence between tradition and modernity.

Abstract intellectual pursuit.

4

该项目旨在寻求创新的能源解决方案。

The project aims to seek innovative energy solutions.

旨在 (aimed at) + 寻求.

5

我们不应仅仅寻求眼前的利益。

We should not merely seek immediate interests.

Negative '不应仅仅'.

6

寻求共识是谈判成功的关键。

Seeking consensus is the key to successful negotiations.

Abstract noun '共识' (consensus).

7

他在文学作品中寻求精神的慰藉。

He seeks spiritual consolation in literary works.

Prepositional phrase '在...中'.

8

寻求真相的过程往往充满艰辛。

The process of seeking the truth is often full of hardships.

寻求 as part of a complex subject.

1

该难民正在寻求政治庇护。

The refugee is seeking political asylum.

Specific legal terminology.

2

企业必须在激烈的市场竞争中寻求生存之道。

Enterprises must seek a way to survive in fierce market competition.

Idiomatic '生存之道'.

3

他在哲学思考中寻求对宇宙本质的理解。

He seeks an understanding of the nature of the universe through philosophical reflection.

High-level abstract object.

4

寻求司法公正是每个公民的权利。

Seeking judicial justice is the right of every citizen.

Formal legal context.

5

该政策旨在寻求社会福利的最大化。

The policy aims to seek the maximization of social welfare.

Academic/Policy language.

6

他在寻求一种能够超越语言隔阂的交流方式。

He is seeking a way of communication that can transcend language barriers.

Complex relative clause.

7

我们需要寻求一种可持续的发展模式。

We need to seek a sustainable development model.

Sustainable development (可持续发展).

8

寻求真理的道路上没有捷径。

There are no shortcuts on the road to seeking truth.

Metaphorical usage.

1

艺术家在作品中寻求对人类苦难的深层救赎。

The artist seeks a deep redemption for human suffering in their work.

Literary/Philosophical register.

2

寻求形而上学的终极答案是人类永恒的课题。

Seeking the ultimate metaphysical answers is an eternal task for humanity.

Metaphysical (形而上学).

3

在复杂的国际博弈中，各国都在寻求自身利益的最优解。

In complex international gambits, all countries are seeking the optimal solution for their own interests.

Game theory terminology (最优解).

4

他毕生都在寻求一种能够统一物理学四大基本力的理论。

He spent his whole life seeking a theory that could unify the four fundamental forces of physics.

Scientific/Academic context.

5

寻求文化认同是移民群体面临的重大挑战。

Seeking cultural identity is a major challenge faced by immigrant groups.

Sociological terminology.

6

这种叙事方式寻求在虚构与现实之间建立一种张力。

This narrative style seeks to establish a tension between fiction and reality.

Literary criticism.

7

寻求对历史真相的还原需要极大的勇气和严谨的态度。

Seeking the restoration of historical truth requires great courage and a rigorous attitude.

Historical research context.

8

他在寂静中寻求内心的宁静与自我超越。

In the silence, he seeks inner peace and self-transcendence.

Spiritual/Reflective register.

Häufige Kollokationen

寻求帮助
寻求支持
寻求合作
寻求答案
寻求真理
寻求共识
寻求突破
寻求保护
寻求平衡
寻求机会

Häufige Phrasen

寻求政治庇护

寻求法律援助

寻求共同点

寻求解决方案

寻求精神慰藉

寻求技术支持

寻求投资

寻求转型

寻求理解

寻求公正

Wird oft verwechselt mit

寻求 vs 找

找 is for physical objects; 寻求 is for abstract concepts.

寻求 vs 追求

追求 is for pursuing dreams or romance; 寻求 is for seeking resources or solutions.

寻求 vs 寻找

寻找 is more general; 寻求 is more formal and purposeful.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

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Leicht verwechselbar

寻求 vs

寻求 vs

寻求 vs

寻求 vs

寻求 vs

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

formal tone

Best for written or formal spoken Chinese.

abstract only

Only use with abstract nouns.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using it for physical objects (e.g., 寻求钱包).
  • Confusing it with 追求 for romantic interests.
  • Using it without an object.
  • Using it in very casual, slangy conversations.
  • Confusing the tones (both are second tone).

Tipps

Object Choice

Always pair 寻求 with an abstract noun like help, solution, or truth.

Formal Register

Use this word in business emails to sound more professional and serious.

Humility

Using 寻求帮助 shows respect to the person you are asking for help.

Synonym Choice

Choose 寻求 over 找 when the thing you are looking for is important.

Job Interviews

Say '我寻求职业发展的机会' to impress your interviewer.

Academic Writing

Use 寻求 to describe the goals of your research or study.

News Context

When you hear 寻求 in news, expect a topic about diplomacy or policy.

Mnemonic

Remember: 寻 (Search) + 求 (Request) = Seeking with a purpose.

Physical Objects

Never use 寻求 for keys, phones, or lost pets.

Passive Voice

In formal texts, you might see '被寻求' in very specific legal contexts.

Einprägen

Wortherkunft

Kultureller Kontext

Highly formal; rarely used in casual spoken slang.

Often used in phrases like '寻求共识' to emphasize the importance of social harmony.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"你在寻求什么样的职业发展？"

"我们应该如何寻求团队内部的共识？"

"你曾经向谁寻求过最重要的建议？"

"很多年轻人正在寻求生活与工作的平衡。"

"科学家们还在寻求治愈癌症的方法吗？"

Tagebuch-Impulse

写一写你最近在寻求的一个目标。

描述一次你向别人寻求帮助的经历。

你认为人类寻求真理的意义是什么？

在工作中，你是如何寻求与同事合作的？

如果你能寻求一个改变世界的机会，你会做什么？

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, that sounds very strange. Use 找我的书 instead.

It's common in formal daily life, like at work or in serious discussions, but not for casual chats.

寻求 is more formal and focuses on obtaining a resource/solution. 寻找 is more general.

Yes, but only in formal contexts like 'seeking a partner' (寻求合作伙伴).

Yes, it is a key word for HSK 4 and above.

寻求帮助 is very polite and formal.

积极 (actively), 努力 (effortfully), and 不断 (constantly).

No, it is primarily a verb, though its phrase can act as a subject.

No, use 追求 for that.

Yes, it is one of the most common words in Chinese news reports.

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