To actively and purposefully search for or try to obtain something, often abstract.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Actively search for or try to obtain something.
- Often used with abstract nouns like help or answers.
- Implies a purposeful and active effort.
Overview
寻求 (xúnqiú) 是一个常用的中文动词，表示努力地寻找或追求某样东西，通常是抽象的，比如目标、答案、帮助、机会等。这个词带有一定的目的性和主动性，意味着使用者正在积极地进行搜寻或尝试。
寻求常用于搭配抽象名词，如：寻求帮助 (seek help)、寻求答案 (seek answers)、寻求机会 (seek opportunities)、寻求和平 (seek peace)、寻求发展 (seek development)。它也可以用于寻找具体但难以找到的事物，但更侧重于过程和意图。
在日常生活中，人们会寻求朋友或家人的帮助；在工作中，可能会寻求新的发展机会；在学习中，会寻求问题的答案；在国际关系中，国家之间会寻求和平。这个词也常出现在新闻报道、演讲和正式场合。
与“找” (zhǎo) 相比，“寻求”更正式，并且通常指寻找更抽象或更重要的事物。“找”可以指寻找任何东西，包括具体物品，如“找钥匙”（find keys）。“追求” (zhuīqiú) 强调的是努力去达到一个目标，通常是长期的、困难的，如“追求梦想”（pursue dreams），比“寻求”更具强度和持续性。
Examples
如果你遇到困难，可以向老师寻求帮助。
everydayIf you encounter difficulties, you can seek help from your teacher.
公司正在寻求新的市场机会以扩大业务。
businessThe company is seeking new market opportunities to expand its business.
他花了很长时间寻求内心的平静。
personalHe spent a long time seeking inner peace.
科学家们寻求宇宙的终极答案。
academicScientists seek the ultimate answers to the universe.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
寻求帮助
seek help
寻求答案
seek answers
寻求出路
seek a way out
Often Confused With
'找' is a general verb for 'to find' or 'to look for'. It's less formal and can be used for concrete objects. '寻求' is more specific to actively searching for or trying to obtain something, often abstract, and carries a more formal tone.
'追求' means to pursue or strive for a goal, often implying a long-term, challenging effort. '寻求' is more about the act of searching or trying to obtain something at a given moment or period.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Generally used in slightly more formal or written contexts. It implies a conscious effort and a specific objective. Can be used for both abstract concepts and concrete things, though more common for abstract ones.
Common Mistakes
Learners might overuse 'seeking' for simple, everyday finding actions where 'looking for' or 'finding' would be more natural. Ensure the context implies a deliberate search or desire for something.
Tips
Focus on Purposeful Search
Remember 'seeking' implies a goal. You're not just looking; you're trying to find or obtain.
Avoid Overuse with Concrete Objects
While possible, 'seeking' sounds less natural for everyday concrete items compared to '找' (zhǎo).
Seeking Help is Common
In Chinese culture, directly asking for or 'seeking' help (寻求帮助) when needed is generally acceptable and encouraged.
Word Origin
The character 寻 (xún) originally depicted a person walking through a maze or labyrinth, signifying searching. 求 (qiú) means to seek, request, or strive for. Together, 寻求 emphasizes a determined effort to find or obtain.
Cultural Context
The act of seeking help or advice is culturally significant. While directness can vary, 'seeking' help implies a respectful approach to obtaining support or information.
Memory Tip
Think of 'seeking' as 'seeking' a higher goal or 'seeking' assistance. It's more than just casually looking.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“寻求”比“找”更正式，并且常用于寻找抽象的事物，如帮助、答案、机会等。而“找”的范围更广，可以指寻找任何东西，包括具体的物品。
虽然“寻求”更多用于抽象事物，但有时也可以用于寻找具体但难以找到的东西，例如“寻求失散多年的亲人”。但总体来说，它更侧重于意图和过程。
两者都常用，但侧重点不同。“寻求”侧重于寻找和尝试获得，“追求”则更强调努力去达到一个目标，通常更具挑战性和长期性。
“寻求”适合在需要表达积极努力寻找某物，尤其是在稍显正式或书面的场合。例如，在工作中寻求机会，或在生活中寻求帮助。
Test Yourself
他正在努力______解决这个问题的方法。
这里需要一个表示积极寻找解决方案的动词，‘寻求’最符合语境。
Which sentence best uses the word 寻求 (xúnqiú)?
‘寻求帮助’ (seek help) 是‘寻求’非常典型的用法，表示主动请求援助。
Build a sentence using 寻求, 机会, 新的.
这个句子结构完整，意义清晰，符合‘寻求’的用法。
Score: /3
Summary
To actively and purposefully search for or try to obtain something, often abstract.
- Actively search for or try to obtain something.
- Often used with abstract nouns like help or answers.
- Implies a purposeful and active effort.
Focus on Purposeful Search
Remember 'seeking' implies a goal. You're not just looking; you're trying to find or obtain.
Avoid Overuse with Concrete Objects
While possible, 'seeking' sounds less natural for everyday concrete items compared to '找' (zhǎo).
Seeking Help is Common
In Chinese culture, directly asking for or 'seeking' help (寻求帮助) when needed is generally acceptable and encouraged.
Examples
4 of 4如果你遇到困难，可以向老师寻求帮助。
If you encounter difficulties, you can seek help from your teacher.
公司正在寻求新的市场机会以扩大业务。
The company is seeking new market opportunities to expand its business.
他花了很长时间寻求内心的平静。
He spent a long time seeking inner peace.
科学家们寻求宇宙的终极答案。
Scientists seek the ultimate answers to the universe.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
