力求

• Pinyin: lì qiú
• Hanzi breakdown: 力 = 力 (effort/strength); 求 = 一 + 水 (to seek/request)

Meaning

To strive for; to make every effort to achieve. Conveys strong, active determination to accomplish a specific goal.

A formal verb used in official documents, mission statements, and earnest expressions of intent. Stronger than 希望 or 尽量 in implying vigorous effort rather than passive hope. Often followed by an objective or standard.

Examples

1. 编辑团队力求在每一个细节上都做到准确无误，避免误导读者。 The editorial team strives to be accurate in every detail to avoid misleading readers.
2. 该企业力求在三年内将碳排放量降低百分之三十。 The company is striving to cut its carbon emissions by 30% within three years.
3. 设计师力求在功能性与美观性之间找到最佳平衡点。 The designer strives to find the best balance between functionality and aesthetics.

Usage Guide

Context: goals, official language, professional standards, mission statements

Tone: determined

Do Say

• 本报告力求全面呈现项目实施过程中遇到的挑战及相应的解决方案。(This report strives to comprehensively present the challenges encountered during project implementation and the corresponding solutions.)
• 学校力求为每位学生创造公平的学习环境，不因家庭背景而有所差异。(The school makes every effort to create an equitable learning environment for every student, without distinction based on family background.)

Don't Say

• 在口语中用'力求'替代'想要'或'希望' — 力求语气过于正式，日常对话中显得生硬，应改用'尽量'或'争取'

Origin & History

力 (with full strength/vigorously) + 求 (to seek/pursue/strive for)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal