哀求

• Pinyin: āi qiú
• Hanzi breakdown: 哀 = 衣 (clothing radical, split) + 口 (mouth); 求 = pictograph of fur coat, now 'to seek'

Meaning

To plead; to beg; to implore (with sadness or desperation).

Describes earnestly begging someone, often with an element of sorrow or desperation. Stronger and more emotional than 请求 (request). Implies a power imbalance where the speaker is in a vulnerable position.

Examples

1. 他跪在地上哀求法官再给他一次机会。 He knelt on the ground and pleaded with the judge to give him one more chance.
2. 任凭她怎么哀求，对方也不肯改变决定。 No matter how she begged, the other party refused to change their decision.
3. 孩子哀求父母让他留下那只流浪狗。 The child pleaded with his parents to let him keep the stray dog.

Usage Guide

Context: literary, dramatic

Tone: emotional

Do Say

• 她哀求他不要离开。(She pleaded with him not to leave.)
• 他们向政府哀求减免税款。(They implored the government for tax relief.)

Don't Say

• 对服务员说'我哀求你上菜快点' (Don't use 哀求 for trivial requests — it's too dramatic for everyday service situations)

Origin & History

哀 means 'sorrow' or 'grief,' and 求 means 'to request.' Together they convey a sorrowful plea.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal