Meanings of 尋
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About 尋
Podcast: 尋
Podcast: 尋
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AI Study Notes for 尋
探 (tàn) - use 尋 (xún) when the search is for something specific or known, while 探 (tàn) suggests a more exploratory or investigative search.
Be cautious with the tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely. It's often used in formal contexts, such as literature or academic writing, but can also be found in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 尋找 (xúnzhǎo, to search for) and 尋求 (xúnqiú, to seek out).
While 尋 is not an HSK level word, it can be connected to HSK 3 and 4 vocabulary that involves verbs of action or inquiry, such as 找 (zhǎo, to look for) and 询问 (xúnwèn, to inquire). Focus on practicing its use in sentences involving searching or seeking out information.
Learners often confuse 尋 with 找 (zhǎo), leading to incorrect sentences like '我尋我的书' (Wǒ xún wǒ de shū) instead of '我找我的书' (Wǒ zhǎo wǒ de shū). Remember that 尋 is more formal and poetic.
Pronunciation of 尋
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Etymology of 尋
Simplified form of 尋. Pictograph of two outstretched arms searching for something.
A hand 彐 looking 工 for an item 口; 寸 provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 尋
Simplified form of 尋. Pictograph of two outstretched arms searching for something.
- 1The giveawayA hand 彐 looking 工 for an item 口; 寸 provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 尋? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 尋
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How to say to seek; to search for, to look for; ancient in Chinese
“to seek; to search for, to look for; ancient” in Chinese is尋
尋 (xún) means 'to seek' or 'to search for.' It is commonly used in contexts where someone is looking for something specific, whether it be an object, information, or even a person. The character can also imply a sense of exploration or inquiry.
When to use 尋
Be cautious with the tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely. It's often used in formal contexts, such as literature or academic writing, but can also be found in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 尋找 (xúnzhǎo, to search for) and 尋求 (xúnqiú, to seek out).
尋 or something close to it
探 (tàn) - use 尋 (xún) when the search is for something specific or known, while 探 (tàn) suggests a more exploratory or investigative search.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 尋 with 找 (zhǎo), leading to incorrect sentences like '我尋我的书' (Wǒ xún wǒ de shū) instead of '我找我的书' (Wǒ zhǎo wǒ de shū). Remember that 尋 is more formal and poetic.
Write 尋
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Practice writing 尋 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 尋
Compound Meaning
What does 寻找 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 尋
Synonyms include 找 (zhǎo, to look for) and 搜 (sōu, to search). Each has its nuances, with 找 being more casual.
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