求

• Pinyin: qiú
• Hanzi breakdown: 求 = originally a pictograph of a fur garment; meaning shifted from 'fur' to 'to seek' over time

Meaning

To beg; to request; to seek; to ask for. Used when earnestly asking for something or pursuing a goal.

A versatile verb meaning to seek, beg, or pursue. Used in many important compounds: 请求 (request), 要求 (demand/require), 求助 (seek help), 追求 (pursue). Can express desperation (求你了 — I'm begging you) or ambition (求知 — pursuit of knowledge). Stronger and more earnest than 问 or 要.

Examples

1. 他求我帮他一个忙。 He begged me to do him a favour.
2. 遇到困难可以求助别人。 You can ask others for help when you run into difficulties.
3. 求你了，帮帮我吧。 I'm begging you — please help me.

Usage Guide

Context: asking for help, pleading, pursuing goals

Tone: earnest

Do Say

• 我求你帮帮我。(I beg you to help me.)
• 他一直在求进步。(He keeps striving for improvement.)

Don't Say

• 求比请语气更重 (求 is much stronger than 请 — 请 is a polite 'please,' while 求 implies urgency or desperation; don't use 求 when 请 is sufficient)

Origin & History

Originally a pictograph of animal fur or a fur garment. The meaning shifted from 'fur' to 'seek' because furs were valuable items people sought after.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal