寻找

xúnzhǎo: 寻找 - To Seek, To Look For, To Search For

Quick Summary

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  • Summary: Learn the Chinese verb 寻找 (xúnzhǎo), which means “to seek” or “to search for.” This guide explains how 寻找 (xúnzhǎo) differs from the more common word 找 (zhǎo), showing you when to use it for more formal, deliberate, or abstract searches. Discover its cultural context, see practical examples for job hunting, finding solutions, or seeking life's meaning, and master this essential HSK 4 vocabulary word to make your Chinese sound more sophisticated.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): xúnzhǎo
  • Part of Speech: Verb
  • HSK Level: 4
  • Concise Definition: To seek, to look for, or to search for something, often with a sense of purpose or over a period of time.
  • In a Nutshell: 寻找 (xúnzhǎo) is a more formal and intentional version of the basic verb 找 (zhǎo). While you would use 找 to say you're “looking for” your keys, you would use 寻找 to say you are “searching for” a new job, “seeking” a solution to a complex problem, or “looking for” a long-lost friend. It implies a more serious, prolonged, and dedicated effort.

Character Breakdown

  • 寻 (xún): This character means “to seek” or “to search.” It originally depicted a measurement of length, suggesting a careful and methodical search, as if covering a large area inch by inch.
  • 找 (zhǎo): This character means “to look for” or “to find.” The hand radical on the left (扌) clearly points to the physical action of searching for something.
  • Together, 寻找 (xúnzhǎo) combines the methodical, broad search of 寻 with the direct action of 找. This creates a compound verb that emphasizes a deliberate and sustained act of searching, making it more formal and weightier than using 找 by itself.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • In Chinese culture, 寻找 (xúnzhǎo) often carries a deeper, more profound connotation than simply locating an object. It is frequently used in the context of personal or societal quests, such as 寻找人生的意义 (xúnzhǎo rénshēng de yìyì), or “seeking the meaning of life.” This ties into philosophical and literary traditions where the journey or the process of seeking is as important as the destination.
  • A useful comparison for English speakers is the difference between “look for” and “seek.”
    • Look for (like 找 - zhǎo): This is the everyday, default term. “I'm looking for my wallet.”
    • Seek (like 寻找 - xúnzhǎo): This implies a more earnest, profound, or challenging search. “Scientists seek a cure for cancer.” “She moved to the city to seek her fortune.”
  • Using 寻找 can signal a level of seriousness and determination, reflecting the cultural value placed on perseverance (坚持不懈 - jiānchí bùxiè) in achieving one's goals, whether they are professional, personal, or spiritual.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • Formal & Professional Contexts: This is the most common use. You will see 寻找 constantly in job advertisements, business proposals, and news reports.
    • e.g., 公司正在寻找新的合作伙伴。(Gōngsī zhèngzài xúnzhǎo xīn de hézuò huǒbàn.) - The company is seeking new business partners.
  • Abstract or Emotional Quests: When talking about goals, dreams, love, or happiness, 寻找 is the perfect word to convey the depth of the search.
    • e.g., 很多人一生都在寻找幸福。(Hěn duō rén yīshēng dōu zài xúnzhǎo xìngfú.) - Many people spend their whole lives searching for happiness.
  • Investigations & Problem-Solving: Used by police, researchers, or anyone trying to find clues, evidence, or solutions.
    • e.g., 警察正在寻找目击者。(Jǐngchá zhèngzài xúnzhǎo mùjīzhě.) - The police are searching for eyewitnesses.
  • Informal Usage: It is generally considered too formal for casual, everyday situations like finding your keys or phone. Using it in such a context would sound overly dramatic.

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 我正在寻找一份新工作。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ zhèngzài xúnzhǎo yī fèn xīn gōngzuò.
    • English: I am searching for a new job.
    • Analysis: This is a classic, very common use of the word. Job hunting is a serious, deliberate process, making 寻找 more appropriate than just 找.
  • Example 2:
    • 警方仍在寻找失踪的孩子。
    • Pinyin: Jǐngfāng réng zài xúnzhǎo shīzōng de háizi.
    • English: The police are still searching for the missing child.
    • Analysis: This context is serious and formal, involving an official investigation. 寻找 is the standard term here.
  • Example 3:
    • 经过多年的努力，他终于寻找到了自己的梦想。
    • Pinyin: Jīngguò duōnián de nǔlì, tā zhōngyú xúnzhǎo dàole zìjǐ de mèngxiǎng.
    • English: After many years of effort, he finally found his dream.
    • Analysis: The phrase 寻找到了 (xúnzhǎo dào le) indicates the successful completion of a long search. Here, it's used for the abstract concept of a “dream.”
  • Example 4:
    • 科学家们正在寻找治疗这种疾病的方法。
    • Pinyin: Kēxuéjiāmen zhèngzài xúnzhǎo zhìliáo zhè zhǒng jíbìng de fāngfǎ.
    • English: Scientists are searching for a way to cure this disease.
    • Analysis: Scientific research is a long, methodical process, making 寻找 the perfect verb.
  • Example 5:
    • 这部电影讲述了一个年轻人寻找真爱的故事。
    • Pinyin: Zhè bù diànyǐng jiǎngshùle yīgè niánqīng rén xúnzhǎo zhēn'ài de gùshì.
    • English: This movie tells the story of a young person searching for true love.
    • Analysis: “True love” is an abstract and profound goal, so 寻找 is used to convey the emotional depth of the quest.
  • Example 6:
    • 我们必须寻找一个解决问题的根本办法。
    • Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū xúnzhǎo yīgè jiějué wèntí de gēnběn bànfǎ.
    • English: We must search for a fundamental solution to the problem.
    • Analysis: This shows its use in formal problem-solving. The search is for a “solution” or “method,” not a physical object.
  • Example 7:
    • 他离开家乡，去大城市寻找机会。
    • Pinyin: Tā líkāi jiāxiāng, qù dà chéngshì xúnzhǎo jīhuì.
    • English: He left his hometown to go to the big city to seek opportunities.
    • Analysis: “Seeking opportunity” is a common and powerful motivation, perfectly expressed by 寻找.
  • Example 8:
    • 探险家们一直在寻找传说中的黄金城。
    • Pinyin: Tànxiǎnjiāmen yīzhí zài xúnzhǎo chuánshuō zhōng de huángjīn chéng.
    • English: The explorers have been searching for the legendary city of gold.
    • Analysis: This evokes a sense of adventure and a long, difficult search for something extraordinary.
  • Example 9:
    • 在信息时代，寻找可靠的信息来源非常重要。
    • Pinyin: Zài xìnxī shídài, xúnzhǎo kěkào de xìnxī láiyuán fēicháng zhòngyào.
    • English: In the information age, it is very important to find reliable sources of information.
    • Analysis: This highlights a modern, intellectual use of the word—the “search” for trustworthy information.
  • Example 10:
    • 很多游客来这里寻找内心的平静。
    • Pinyin: Hěn duō yóukè lái zhèlǐ xúnzhǎo nèixīn de píngjìng.
    • English: Many tourists come here to seek inner peace.
    • Analysis: This is a beautiful example of using 寻找 for a spiritual or psychological quest.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • The #1 Mistake: Overusing it for casual situations.
  • A beginner might see that 寻找 means “to look for” and use it for everything. This sounds unnatural and overly dramatic in Chinese.
  • Incorrect: 我在寻找我的手机。 (Wǒ zài xúnzhǎo wǒ de shǒujī.)
    • This sounds like you are on a grand, dramatic quest for your phone.
  • Correct: 我在找我的手机。 (Wǒ zài zhǎo wǒ de shǒujī.)
    • This is the natural, everyday way to say “I'm looking for my phone.”
  • Rule of Thumb: If you are looking for a common, physical object in your immediate vicinity (keys, wallet, phone, a person in a crowd), always use 找 (zhǎo). If you are searching for something more abstract, significant, or over a longer period (a job, a solution, a missing person, happiness), 寻找 (xúnzhǎo) is the better choice.

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 找 (zhǎo) - The most common verb for “to look for.” It's more informal and used for everyday, concrete searches. 寻找 is its more formal, serious counterpart.
  • 发现 (fāxiàn) - To discover; to find. This is often the successful result of a search. 寻找 is the process; 发现 is the outcome.
  • 搜索 (sōusuǒ) - To search. This term is often used for systematic or technical searches, especially online (e.g., a Google search) or in a police investigation where they “sweep” an area.
  • 探索 (tànsuǒ) - To explore. This implies venturing into unknown territory, whether it's a new land, a scientific field, or an idea. It focuses more on discovery and learning than on finding a specific thing.
  • 追求 (zhuīqiú) - To pursue; to chase. This word is used for actively and passionately chasing after goals, dreams, fame, or a romantic interest. It has a stronger sense of desire and ambition than 寻找.
  • 查 (chá) - To check; to look up. This is used when you are looking for information in a specific place, like looking up a word in a dictionary (查字典) or checking a train schedule (查一下).