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B1 verb 10 min read

征求

zheng qiu
Examples 征求 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 征求 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use '征求' (zhēngqiú) often. It is a formal word. Instead, you usually use '问' (wèn), which means 'to ask.' For example, if you want to ask a friend for their opinion, you might say '你觉得怎么样？' (What do you think?). However, you might see '征求' on a simple poster in a school or a library, like '征求志愿者' (Looking for volunteers). At this stage, just remember that '征求' is a polite way to ask a group of people for something like help or ideas. It is more formal than '要' (yào - want) or '问' (wèn - ask). It is made of two parts: '征' (to collect/solicit) and '求' (to seek/request). Think of it as a 'big ask' for many people to join in or give their thoughts. You won't use it in daily conversation with friends, but you will see it in official places. It is a good word to recognize when you see it on signs or in simple school announcements.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to understand more formal situations. '征求' (zhēngqiú) becomes useful when you are talking about school projects or workplace tasks. It means 'to solicit' or 'to ask for' in a formal way. You will often see it paired with '意见' (yìjiàn - opinion). For example, '老师征求大家的意见' (The teacher is asking for everyone's opinions). This sounds much more professional than just saying '老师问大家' (The teacher asks everyone). You can use it when you want to show respect. If you are doing a group project, you can say, '我想征求一下你们的意见' (I would like to ask for your opinions). This makes you sound like a good team leader. You might also see it in advertisements, like '征求翻译' (Seeking a translator). At this level, focus on the 'Subject + 征求 + 意见' pattern. It is a very common and useful structure to know as you move into more professional Chinese environments.
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At the B1 level, '征求' (zhēngqiú) is an essential word for professional and social communication. It translates to 'solicit,' 'seek,' or 'request' in a formal context. You should use it when you are actively looking for feedback, suggestions, or consent. For instance, in a business meeting, you might say '我们在做决定前，需要征求经理的同意' (Before making a decision, we need to seek the manager's consent). This shows a clear understanding of workplace hierarchy and etiquette. '征求' is different from '寻求' (xúnqiú - to seek a solution) because '征求' is usually about asking people for their input or contributions. Common collocations at this level include '征求意见' (solicit opinions), '征求建议' (seek suggestions), and '征求稿件' (solicit manuscripts). You should also learn the '向...征求...' structure, such as '向公众征求意见' (to solicit opinions from the public). Understanding this word helps you navigate formal emails, news reports, and official announcements where collaborative decision-making is described.
At the B2 level, you should be able to use '征求' (zhēngqiú) with nuance and precision. It is a key term in administrative and legal Chinese. For example, you will encounter '征求意见稿' (a draft for soliciting comments), which is a specific type of document used in government and corporate policy-making. You should understand that '征求' implies a systematic process. It's not just a single question; it's a phase of a project. You can also use it to modify nouns, as in '征求意见的过程' (the process of soliciting opinions). At this level, you should distinguish '征求' from similar words like '征询' (zhēngxún - more about inquiry) and '招募' (zhāomù - specifically for recruiting people). For example, while you can '征求志愿者' (solicit volunteers), '招募' is more common for a large-scale recruitment drive. You should also be comfortable using adverbs with it, such as '广泛征求' (extensively solicit) or '诚恳征求' (sincerely solicit). This word is vital for discussing democratic processes, corporate governance, and academic publication.
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At the C1 level, '征求' (zhēngqiú) is a tool for sophisticated expression in formal writing and high-level negotiations. You should understand its historical roots and how it fits into the broader vocabulary of Chinese bureaucracy and social ethics. The word carries a connotation of 'consultative democracy' (协商民主) in modern Chinese political discourse. When a government '广泛征求民意' (extensively solicits public will), it is a significant administrative act. In academic writing, you might use it to describe your methodology: '本研究通过问卷调查的方式征求了专家的意见' (This study solicited expert opinions through a questionnaire survey). You should also be aware of its use in legal contexts, such as '须征求书面同意' (must seek written consent), where the lack of '征求' can have legal consequences. At this level, you can appreciate the subtle difference between '征求' and '索取' (suǒqǔ - to demand/extract), where '征求' is polite and voluntary, while '索取' can be seen as aggressive or even predatory. Your usage should reflect an understanding of these social and legal nuances.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '征求' (zhēngqiú) and can use it in the most complex stylistic contexts. You understand that it is not merely a verb but a symbol of a particular social contract—the act of seeking consensus. You can use it in high-level diplomatic or philosophical discussions. For example, '征求各方最大公约数' (seeking the greatest common denominator among all parties) is a sophisticated way to describe finding common ground through solicitation and negotiation. You are familiar with its use in classical-style modern Chinese, where it might appear in formal inscriptions or high-level official decrees. You can also detect irony or insincerity if the word is used in a context where solicitation is merely a formality rather than a genuine effort to listen. Your ability to use '征求' alongside other high-level vocabulary like '博采众议' (widely soliciting and adopting opinions) shows a deep integration into the Chinese linguistic and cultural landscape. At this level, '征求' is a precise instrument for describing the intricate dance of communication and power in professional and public life.
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Examples

征求 in 30 Seconds

  • 征求 (zhēngqiú) is a formal verb meaning 'to solicit' or 'to seek,' primarily used for opinions, suggestions, and consent.
  • It is common in professional, academic, and administrative contexts to describe collaborative decision-making and public consultation processes.
  • Common collocations include 征求意见 (solicit opinions), 征求同意 (seek consent), and 征求稿件 (solicit manuscripts).
  • It differs from simple 'asking' by implying a systematic, polite, and often public effort to gather input or resources.

The Chinese verb 征求 (zhēngqiú) is a sophisticated and formal term that translates to 'to solicit,' 'to seek,' or 'to ask for.' Unlike the simple verb '问' (wèn - to ask), 征求 implies a deliberate, organized, and often public effort to gather specific information, opinions, or items from a group of people. It is most commonly used in professional, academic, and official contexts where feedback or contributions are required to make a decision or complete a project. When you use 征求, you are not just asking a casual question; you are actively inviting others to provide their input or resources for a specific purpose.

Formal Solicitation
This word is frequently used in business settings, such as when a manager says they need to '征求大家的意见' (solicit everyone's opinions) before finalizing a plan. It conveys a sense of respect for the recipient's expertise or viewpoint.

我们在制定新规则之前，必须广泛征求员工的意见。 (Before formulating new rules, we must extensively solicit the opinions of our employees.)

The character 征 (zhēng) historically relates to going on a journey or levying/collecting, while 求 (qiú) means to seek or request. Combined, they create a powerful verb for 'gathering' through 'seeking.' You will see this word on posters looking for volunteers (征求志愿者), in journals looking for articles (征求稿件), or in diplomatic contexts seeking international cooperation. It is a word that bridges the gap between a simple request and a formal recruitment process.

这个项目正在征求合作伙伴。 (This project is currently seeking partners.)

Administrative Context
In government documents, you often see '征求意见稿' (draft for soliciting comments). This is a standard part of the legislative process in China, ensuring that public or expert feedback is integrated into new laws.

政府正在就环境政策征求公众的看法。 (The government is soliciting public views on environmental policy.)

Beyond just opinions, 征求 can be used for physical contributions. For example, a charity might '征求捐款' (solicit donations) or a library might '征求旧书' (solicit old books). In all these cases, the action is outward-facing and systematic. It implies a 'call to action' rather than a passive desire. If you are a student, you might hear your professor say, '我想征求一下你们对这门课的建议' (I would like to solicit your suggestions for this course).

校刊正在向全校师生征求摄影作品。 (The school magazine is soliciting photography works from all teachers and students.)

Social Etiquette
Even in polite social circles, 征求 can be used to show humility. For instance, '我想征求您的同意' (I would like to seek your consent) is much more formal and respectful than '我可以吗?' (Can I?).

在发表这篇文章之前，我必须先征求作者的同意。 (Before publishing this article, I must first seek the author's consent.)

Using 征求 (zhēngqiú) correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement and the types of objects it typically takes. As a transitive verb, it follows the standard Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure. However, it is often paired with specific nouns that make the sentence sound natural and native. The most common structure is: Subject + 征求 + (Target Person/Group + 的) + Object.

Structure: Solicting Opinions
When asking for advice or feedback, the object is usually 意见 (yìjiàn) or 建议 (jiànyì). Example: '公司正在征求员工对福利制度的意见' (The company is soliciting employees' opinions on the welfare system).

老师正在征求同学们对春游地点的建议。 (The teacher is soliciting students' suggestions for the spring outing location.)

Another common usage involves seeking permission or consent, using 同意 (tóngyì) or 许可 (xǔkě). This is vital in professional ethics and legal contexts. For instance, a researcher must '征求参与者的同意' (seek the consent of participants). It emphasizes the voluntary nature of the agreement being sought.

在进入私人领地之前，你必须先征求主人的同意。 (Before entering private property, you must first seek the owner's consent.)

Structure: Public Calls
In advertisements or notices, the structure is often '向...征求...' (to solicit ... from ...). Example: '向社会征求设计方案' (soliciting design schemes from the society/public).

杂志社正向广大读者征求优秀稿件。 (The magazine office is soliciting excellent manuscripts from the general readership.)

Furthermore, 征求 can be modified by adverbs to show the scale or intensity of the solicitation. Adverbs like 广泛 (guǎngfàn - extensively), 诚恳 (chéngkěn - sincerely), or 重新 (chóngxīn - again) are common. Using '广泛征求' implies a democratic process, while '诚恳征求' shows a humble attitude.

我们诚恳地征求您的批评和建议。 (We sincerely solicit your criticisms and suggestions.)

Structure: Seeking Personnel
When looking for specific roles, you use 征求 + role. Example: '征求保姆' (seeking a nanny) or '征求志同道合者' (seeking like-minded people).

他在报纸上刊登广告，征求一名私人助理。 (He placed an advertisement in the newspaper seeking a personal assistant.)

In the real world, 征求 (zhēngqiú) is a staple of formal communication in Chinese-speaking societies. You will encounter it in news broadcasts, corporate emails, government announcements, and academic settings. It represents a culture of consultation and 'consensus-building' (协商 xiéshāng), which is highly valued in Chinese professional life.

In the Office
If you work in a Chinese company, you will likely receive an email titled '关于新政策征求意见的通知' (Notice regarding soliciting opinions on the new policy). This is the standard way management asks for feedback before implementing changes.

经理在会上说：“我想征求一下大家对加班费调整的看法。” (The manager said at the meeting: 'I would like to solicit everyone's views on the adjustment of overtime pay.')

In the media, the term is used during the legislative process. When the National People's Congress (NPC) drafts a law, they often release it to the public to '征求意见.' You will hear news anchors say, '法律草案现向全社会征求意见' (The draft law is now soliciting opinions from the entire society). This signifies a period of public consultation.

新闻报道称，教育部正在就减负政策征求家长们的建议。 (News reports say the Ministry of Education is soliciting suggestions from parents regarding the policy to reduce student workload.)

In Academic Circles
University bulletin boards and academic websites are full of '征稿启事' (Call for Papers). Here, 征求 is part of the process of soliciting scholarly work for journals or conferences.

这次国际会议正在向全球学者征求论文。 (This international conference is soliciting papers from scholars around the world.)

On social media or classified ads, you might see '征求室友' (seeking a roommate) or '征求翻译' (seeking a translator). In these informal-to-semi-formal digital spaces, 征求 acts like the 'Wanted' section of a newspaper. It is direct and clear about what is being sought, whether it is a person or a service.

他在朋友圈发消息说：“急征求一名会说法语的导游。” (He posted on WeChat Moments: 'Urgently seeking a tour guide who speaks French.')

In Legal Documents
Contracts often include clauses like '须征求对方书面同意' (Must seek the other party's written consent). This ensures that no actions are taken unilaterally.

任何修改都必须事先征求法律顾问的意见。 (Any modifications must seek the opinion of legal counsel in advance.)

While 征求 (zhēngqiú) is a versatile word, learners often misuse it by confusing it with other 'asking' verbs or by applying it to inappropriate objects. Understanding these nuances is key to reaching a B1/B2 level of proficiency in Chinese.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 要求 (yāoqiú)
要求 means 'to demand' or 'to require.' It is top-down and mandatory. 征求 is 'to solicit' or 'to seek.' It is collaborative and optional. You '要求' an employee to finish work, but you '征求' their opinion on how to do it.

❌ 我要求你的意见。 (I demand your opinion - sounds aggressive.)
✅ 我想征求你的意见。 (I would like to solicit your opinion - polite and professional.)

Another common error is using 征求 for small, physical objects. As mentioned, 征求 is for abstract things (opinions, consent) or formal recruitment. You cannot '征求' a salt shaker at a dinner table; you just '借' (borrow) or '拿' (take/pass) it.

❌ 我想征求你的钢笔。 (I want to solicit your pen - sounds very strange.)
✅ 我想借你的钢笔用一下。 (I want to borrow your pen for a moment.)

Mistake 3: Incorrect Prepositions
Learners often forget to use '向' (xiàng - towards/from) when specifying the group being solicited. It's not '征求公众意见' (though this is sometimes used as a shorthand), but more formally '向公众征求意见'.

✅ 我们正在向社会各界征求对新法律的建议。 (We are soliciting suggestions for the new law from all walks of life.)

Finally, remember that 征求 is a verb. Sometimes learners try to use it as a noun (like 'solicitation'). While Chinese doesn't have strict word-class markers like English '-tion,' you should usually pair it with a noun like 意见 or 建议 to make the meaning clear. For example, '征求意见' (the solicitation of opinions) functions as a noun phrase.

❌ 这次征求很重要。 (This solicitation is important - sounds incomplete.)
✅ 这次征求意见的活动非常重要。 (This opinion-soliciting activity is very important.)

Mistake 4: Over-formality
Using 征求 with close friends or family for trivial things like what to eat for dinner can sound overly stiff or even sarcastic. Use '问' or '商量' (shāngliang - discuss) instead.

❌ 妈妈，我想征求你对晚饭吃什么的意见。 (Mom, I want to solicit your opinion on what to eat for dinner - too formal.)
✅ 妈，咱们晚饭吃什么？商量一下。 (Mom, what are we eating for dinner? Let's discuss.)

Chinese has many words related to 'seeking' or 'asking.' Understanding the subtle differences between 征求 (zhēngqiú) and its synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

征求 vs. 寻求 (xúnqiú)
征求 is about soliciting input from others (opinions, consent). 寻求 is more about 'seeking' a solution, help, or a path. You 征求意见 (solicit opinions) but 寻求帮助 (seek help) or 寻求真理 (seek truth).

他正在寻求解决这个问题的新方法。 (He is seeking a new way to solve this problem.)

征求 vs. 征询 (zhēngxún)
These two are very similar and often interchangeable. However, 征询 (zhēngxún) focuses more on the 'inquiry' or 'consultation' aspect. 征求 feels more like a 'request for contribution.' 征询 is almost exclusively for opinions (征询意见).

医生正在征询家属的意见。 (The doctor is consulting/soliciting the family's opinion.)

征求 vs. 搜集 (sōují)
搜集 means 'to collect' or 'to gather' (like data or evidence). 征求 is 'to solicit' (asking people to give). You 搜集证据 (collect evidence) but 征求稿件 (solicit manuscripts).

科学家们正在搜集关于气候变化的数据。 (Scientists are collecting data on climate change.)

征求 vs. 招募 (zhāomù)
When looking for people (like volunteers or employees), 招募 is often used. 征求 can also be used (征求志愿者), but 招募 sounds more like a formal recruitment drive. 征求 is broader, as it also applies to opinions.

该机构正在招募支教老师。 (The organization is recruiting volunteer teachers.)

In summary, 征求 is your go-to word for formal, inclusive solicitation of abstract things or voluntary contributions. It is a key term for professional and administrative Chinese.

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Examples by Level

1

老师征求大家的意见。

The teacher is asking for everyone's opinions.

Simple SVO structure: Subject + 征求 + Object.

2

他在征求志愿者。

He is looking for volunteers.

征求 is used here for recruiting people.

3

我想征求你的建议。

I want to ask for your suggestion.

Suggesting a polite request.

4

图书馆在征求旧书。

The library is soliciting old books.

征求 used for physical contributions.

5

我们征求他的同意。

We are asking for his consent.

Seeking permission.

6

他在网上征求室友。

He is seeking a roommate online.

Common in classified ads.

7

公司在征求新设计。

The company is soliciting new designs.

Business context.

8

他在征求一个好名字。

He is asking for a good name.

Informal but polite.

1

经理正在征求员工的意见。

The manager is soliciting employees' opinions.

Workplace context.

2

我们向全校征求校徽设计。

We are soliciting school badge designs from the whole school.

Using '向' (from/to) to specify the group.

3

在做决定前，请征求父母的意见。

Before making a decision, please ask for your parents' opinions.

Polite advice.

4

杂志社在征求读者的来稿。

The magazine office is soliciting contributions from readers.

Professional solicitation.

5

他想征求大家的同意去旅行。

He wants to seek everyone's consent to go on a trip.

Seeking group consensus.

6

这个活动正在征求赞助商。

This event is currently seeking sponsors.

Commercial context.

7

请征求主人的许可再进屋。

Please seek the owner's permission before entering the house.

Formal permission.

8

我想征求一下关于这门课的建议。

I would like to solicit some suggestions about this course.

Academic context.

1

政府正在广泛征求公众对新法律的意见。

The government is extensively soliciting public opinions on the new law.

Using '广泛' (extensively) as an adverb.

2

在引用这段文字前，你必须征求原作者的同意。

Before quoting this text, you must seek the original author's consent.

Legal/Ethical requirement.

3

我们诚恳地征求您的批评和建议。

We sincerely solicit your criticisms and suggestions.

Using '诚恳地' (sincerely) to show humility.

4

校刊正向全校师生征求优秀的摄影作品。

The school magazine is soliciting excellent photography works from all teachers and students.

Specific target group mentioned with '向'.

5

这个项目正在全球范围内征求合作伙伴。

This project is seeking partners on a global scale.

Large-scale solicitation.

6

关于这件事，我还没来得及征求他的看法。

Regarding this matter, I haven't had time to solicit his views yet.

Time-sensitive context.

7

他在报上刊登广告，征求一名私人助理。

He placed an advertisement in the newspaper seeking a personal assistant.

Job recruitment.

8

委员会将征求专家的意见后再做最后决定。

The committee will solicit expert opinions before making a final decision.

Formal decision-making process.

1

这部法律的征求意见稿已经正式发布。

The draft for soliciting comments on this law has been officially released.

征求意见稿 is a common compound noun.

2

为了完善方案，我们需要深入征求各方面的意见。

In order to improve the plan, we need to solicit opinions from all parties in depth.

Using '深入' (in-depth) as an adverb.

3

在发表研究成果之前，应征求合作者的同意。

Before publishing research results, one should seek the consent of collaborators.

Academic ethics.

4

该组织正向社会各界征求慈善捐款。

The organization is soliciting charitable donations from all sectors of society.

Soliciting funds.

5

他征求了多位法律专家的意见，才签署了合同。

He solicited the opinions of several legal experts before signing the contract.

Seeking professional advice.

6

博物馆正在向民间征求流失的文物。

The museum is soliciting lost cultural relics from the public.

Cultural/Official context.

7

任何对此政策的修改都必须征求董事会的意见。

Any modifications to this policy must seek the opinion of the Board of Directors.

Corporate governance.

8

我们在征求意见的过程中，收到了很多宝贵的建议。

During the process of soliciting opinions, we received many valuable suggestions.

Describing the process.

1

该政策的实施必须建立在广泛征求民意的基础之上。

The implementation of this policy must be based on the foundation of extensively soliciting public will.

Formal administrative language.

2

在处理国际争端时，应充分征求相关国家的意见。

In handling international disputes, the opinions of relevant countries should be fully solicited.

Diplomatic context.

3

他通过征求同行评议，不断完善自己的学术理论。

By soliciting peer reviews, he continuously improves his academic theories.

Peer review process.

4

企业在转型过程中，必须征求债权人的同意。

In the process of transformation, the enterprise must seek the consent of its creditors.

Financial/Legal context.

5

为了确保公正，委员会决定再次征求各方当事人的意见。

To ensure fairness, the committee decided to solicit the opinions of all parties involved once again.

Legal fairness.

6

这种征求意见的方式被认为过于形式化，缺乏实质内容。

This method of soliciting opinions is considered too formalized and lacking in substance.

Critical analysis of the process.

7

我们要虚心向群众征求解决困难的办法。

We should humbly solicit solutions to difficulties from the masses.

Political rhetoric.

8

在未征求本人同意的情况下，不得公开其个人隐私。

Personal privacy shall not be disclosed without the individual's consent.

Legal protection of privacy.

1

这种广泛征求意见的机制，体现了协商民主的精髓。

This mechanism of extensively soliciting opinions embodies the essence of consultative democracy.

High-level political philosophy.

2

在宏观调控政策出台前，必须充分征求智库专家的意见。

Before macro-control policies are introduced, the opinions of think-tank experts must be fully solicited.

Economic governance.

3

他以博采众议的态度，在全社会范围内征求改革良方。

With an attitude of widely soliciting and adopting opinions, he sought good remedies for reform across society.

Sophisticated idiom integration.

4

任何单方面违背事先征求意见程序的行为都将被视为无效。

Any unilateral act that violates the pre-solicitation procedure will be deemed invalid.

Strict legal terminology.

5

该项研究旨在通过征求跨学科专家的视角来打破学术壁垒。

The research aims to break down academic barriers by soliciting perspectives from interdisciplinary experts.

Academic strategy.

6

在城市规划中，征求居民意见不应仅仅停留在走过场。

In urban planning, soliciting residents' opinions should not just stop at 'going through the motions'.

Using '走过场' to critize the quality of solicitation.

7

征求意见的过程本身就是一种利益博弈与平衡的过程。

The process of soliciting opinions is itself a process of interest game and balance.

Philosophical observation.

8

为了确保文化遗产的保护，应广泛征求当地社区的意见。

To ensure the protection of cultural heritage, opinions of local communities should be widely solicited.

Cultural preservation ethics.

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