求 (qiú) - to seek, to request, to demand, to beseech & to strive for, to pursue

求Tone 2

qiú ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 水

情仁

求 · qiú

to seek, to request, to demand, to beseech;

to strive for, to pursue

to seek, to request, to demand, to beseechto strive for, to pursue

Usage highlights

to seek knowledgeto request helpto strive for progressto demand an explanationto pursue truthto apply for a job

Synonyms

  • 寻— to search, to look for
  • 找— to seek, to look for
  • 请求— to request, to ask

Antonyms

  • 给— to give (antonym of to request)
  • 弃— to abandon, to give up (antonym of to pursue)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I am seeking knowledge (求知识).
  • He requested help (求帮助).
  • She strives for perfection (求完美).
  • They are pursuing happiness (求幸福).

Collocations

  • to seek knowledge(求知)
  • to request help(求助)
  • to strive for progress(求进步)
  • to demand an explanation(求解释)
  • to pursue truth(求真理)
  • to apply for a job(求职)

Idioms

  • Seeking common ground while reserving differences(求同存异)
  • Seeking truth from facts(实事求是)
  • Begging for mercy(求饶)
  • Asking for trouble(自讨苦吃 / 自求烦恼)
  • Seeking the source of a river(溯本求源)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 求 originally depicted a fur garment, evolving to represent the concept of seeking or requesting.
  • In Confucian philosophy, the 'gentleman seeks from himself' (君子求诸己), emphasizing self-cultivation.
  • It appears in Buddhist terms like 'seeking liberation' (求解脱), reflecting spiritual aspiration.

FAQ