找出

• Pinyin: zhǎo chū
• Hanzi breakdown: 找 = 扌(hand) + 戈 (weapon/tool); 出 = pictograph of a foot stepping out of a container

Meaning

To find out; to discover. Implies searching and successfully locating something.

A resultative verb compound where 找 means 'to search' and 出 indicates the result of bringing something out or discovering it. Used when something is found after a deliberate search. More emphatic than 找到 in suggesting the item was hidden or difficult to find.

Examples

1. 我终于找出了那本书。 I finally found that book.
2. 老师让我们找出文章里的错误。 The teacher asked us to find the mistakes in the article.
3. 你能帮我找出这个问题的原因吗？ Can you help me find the cause of this problem?

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, study

Tone: informational

Do Say

• 我找出了丢失的钥匙。(I found the lost keys.)
• 请找出正确的答案。(Please find the correct answer.)

Don't Say

• 我找出他在公园。(Don't use 找出 for locating people — use 找到 instead. 找出 is for discovering items, answers, or problems.)

Origin & History

Compound of 找 (to search) and 出 (out), literally 'search out.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal