B1 noun Formal 1 min read

求索

qiú suǒ /tɕʰjoʊ³⁵ swɔ²¹⁴/

求索 represents a deep, spiritual, and persistent journey to find truth or meaning.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Refers to the persistent pursuit of truth, knowledge, or ideals.
  • Highly formal and literary, originating from ancient Chinese poetry.
  • Emphasizes the arduous nature of a long-term search.

**概述 (Overview)**

“求索”是一个具有深厚文化底蕴的词汇,最早见于屈原的《离骚》。它不仅表示“寻找”这一动作,更强调在寻找过程中的决心、耐心以及面对困难时的不屈精神。它通常用于抽象的、宏大的目标,而非琐碎的日常物品。

**用法模式 (Usage Patterns)**

在现代汉语中,“求索”既可以作为动词使用(如“求索真理”),也可以作为名词使用(如“漫长的求索”)。它常与“不懈”、“苦苦”、“终身”等形容词连用,以增强其表达的力度。

**常见语境 (Common Contexts)**

该词主要出现在书面语、学术讨论、文学作品以及正式演说中。例如,在描述科学家对未知领域的探索,或者哲学家对生命意义的追问时,使用“求索”非常恰当。

**近义词辨析 (Similar Words Comparison)**

与“探索”相比,“求索”更强调主观愿望的强烈和过程的艰辛;与“寻求”相比,“求索”更具文学色彩和庄重感。例如,我们可以说“寻求帮助”,但很少说“求索帮助”,因为后者显得过于沉重和正式。

Examples

1

路漫漫其修远兮,吾将上下而求索。

literary

The way ahead is long and has no ending; yet I will seek high and low.

2

学者们在真理的海洋里苦苦求索。

formal

Scholars are painstakingly seeking truth in the vast ocean of knowledge.

3

他对艺术真谛的求索持续了一辈子。

biographical

His pursuit of the true essence of art lasted a lifetime.

4

这种精神上的求索是每个人必经的阶段。

academic

This spiritual search is a stage everyone must go through.

Common Collocations

上下求索 To seek high and low (exhaustively)
不懈求索 Unremitting pursuit
苦苦求索 To seek painstakingly

Common Phrases

终身求索

Lifelong pursuit

求索真理

Seeking the truth

Often Confused With

求索 vs 探索

'探索' is more neutral and can refer to physical exploration (like space exploration); '求索' is more spiritual and literary.

求索 vs 寻找

'寻找' is common for finding lost objects or people; '求索' is reserved for abstract truths.

Grammar Patterns

对 + [Abstract Noun] + 的求索 在 + [Field] + 中求索 不懈地 + 求索

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The word '求索' carries a heavy literary weight. It is almost never used in casual conversation. It implies that the thing being sought is difficult to find and requires a high level of dedication.


Common Mistakes

The most common mistake is using '求索' for trivial physical objects. For example, saying 'I am 求索-ing my phone' is incorrect and sounds humorous to native speakers.

Tips

💡

Elevate Your Academic Writing

Use '求索' instead of '寻找' when discussing philosophical concepts or scientific breakthroughs to sound more sophisticated.

⚠️

Avoid Overuse in Casual Talk

Using this word while chatting with friends might make you sound like a character from an ancient drama.

🌍

The Qu Yuan Connection

This word is a direct link to Qu Yuan, one of China's greatest poets, symbolizing intellectual integrity.

Word Origin

Derived from the poem 'Li Sao' (The Lament) by Qu Yuan (c. 340–278 BC), symbolizing the poet's search for a way to save his country.

Cultural Context

In China, '求索' is synonymous with the spirit of intellectuals who remain dedicated to their ideals despite political or personal hardships.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'Quest' in English. Both start with 'Q' and both imply a long, heroic journey for something important.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

不可以。 “求索”用于抽象和宏大的目标,找钥匙等日常琐事应使用“寻找”或“找”。

不常用。它主要出现在书面语、演讲或文学创作中,口语中使用会显得过于正式或做作。

出自《离骚》,意为在天上下地下的各个角落努力寻找,现比喻不遗余力地去追求真理。

它具有双重属性,既可以表示“追求”的动作(动词),也可以表示“追求的过程”(名词)。

Test Yourself

fill blank

他在科学的道路上孜孜不倦地___,终于发现了新的元素。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: b

“求索”最符合科学研究这种长期、严肃且具有深度的探索语境。

multiple choice

选择最佳选项:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: c

宇宙奥秘是一个宏大且抽象的主题,适合使用“求索”。

sentence building

路漫漫 / 求索 / 吾将 / 其修远兮 / 上下而

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: c

这是《离骚》中的名句,标准的语序是“路漫漫其修远兮,吾将上下而求索”。

Score: /3

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