找

• Pinyin: zhǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 找 = 扌(hand radical) + 戈 (halberd) — reaching out to find something

Meaning

To look for; to seek. Used when searching for a person, place, or thing.

One of the most common verbs in daily Chinese. Used for searching, seeking, or looking for someone or something. Often combined with result complements like 到 (found) or 不到 (can't find). Also means to give change (找钱) in a shopping context.

Examples

1. 我在找我的手机。 I'm looking for my phone.
2. 你找谁？ Who are you looking for?
3. 妈妈在找她的钥匙。 Mum is looking for her keys.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, work

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我在找一个餐厅。(I'm looking for a restaurant.)
• 你找到了吗？(Did you find it?)

Don't Say

• 我找看那本书。(Don't add 看 after 找 — say 我在找那本书 or 我找到了那本书)

Origin & History

Originally written as 爪 (claw/hand) reaching for something, evolving to mean seeking or searching.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal