寻求

• Pinyin: xún qiú
• Hanzi breakdown: 寻 = 彐 (hand) + 寸 (inch), to search; 求 = 水 (water) + 丶 (dot), depicting searching for water, extended to pursue

Meaning

To seek; to look for; to pursue. Actively searching for something abstract like help, answers, or opportunities.

More formal than 找, typically used for abstract goals like solutions, help, truth, or opportunities. Common in professional, diplomatic, and academic contexts. Often collocates with 帮助 (help), 解决方案 (solution), 合作 (cooperation), and 真理 (truth).

Examples

1. 遇到困难时，不要害怕寻求帮助。 When facing difficulties, don't be afraid to seek help.
2. 公司正在寻求新的发展机会。 The company is seeking new development opportunities.
3. 双方都在寻求和平解决争端的方式。 Both parties are seeking ways to peacefully resolve the dispute.

Usage Guide

Context: professional, diplomatic, academic

Tone: earnest

Do Say

• 我们需要寻求专业人士的建议。(We need to seek advice from professionals.)
• 他一直在寻求真相。(He has been seeking the truth.)

Don't Say

• 我在寻求我的手机 (Too formal for finding physical objects — use 找 for looking for your phone)

Origin & History

Compound of 寻 (seek, search) and 求 (request, pursue), both meaning to search for.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal