Chinese word

寻

Pronunciation

Pinyinxún

Meaning

  • verblook for

Example

他一直在寻真相。tā yì zhí zài xún zhēn xiàng

He has been looking for the truth.

Illustration for 寻 (look for)

More examples

警方在现场寻找线索。jǐng fāng zài xiàn chǎng xún zhǎo xiàn suǒ

The police are looking for clues at the scene.

Core concept

A deliberate reaching beyond the surface to find what matters, in both investigation and the pursuit of a worthy goal.

Common phrases

  • 寻找线索xún zhǎo xiàn suǒ

    look for clues

  • 寻求答案xún qiú dá àn

    seek an answer

Similar words

找zhǎo: To search for or try to find people, objects, or information in ordinary speech.
寻找xún zhǎo: To look for something with the aim of finding it, including an answer or information.
寻求xún qiú: To actively seek help, a solution, or another desired possibility.
搜寻sōu xún: To examine an area or source closely while searching for clues or evidence.

Definition in Chinese

寻找或探求值得追究的事物，可指寻找事实、答案或追求某种理想。xún zhǎo huò tàn qiú zhí de zhuī jiū de shì wù kě zhǐ xún zhǎo shì shí dá àn huò zhuī qiú móu zhǒng lí xiǎng

Word origin

寻 (xún, "look for") shows a common lexical path from concrete searching to abstract seeking, so the same verb can describe investigation and committed pursuit.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, this word often sounds deliberate or formal, so it is especially useful for recognizing written discussions of truth, answers, and ideals.

Other meanings

  • pursueverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word