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March 24, 2026
搜索sōusuǒ(sou1suo3)
The verb 搜索 (sōu suǒ) means to actively search for something, whether it be information, a physical object, or data in a database. It is commonly used in both everyday contexts, such as looking for items, as well as in digital contexts, like conducting an Internet search or querying a database.
Frequency#2434DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In modern China, the term 搜索 is often associated with the use of search engines like Baidu, reflecting the importance of the Internet in daily life and information access.
Memory Tip
Imagine a detective (the character 搜) with a magnifying glass (the radical '氵' represents searching through water or depths) scouring the ground (the character '索' suggests looking thoroughly) for clues. This visual of a meticulous search helps connect the pronunciation 'sōu suǒ' to the action of searching.
Meanings of 搜索
sōusuǒ(sou1suo3)
1to search
2to look for sth
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 搜索
搜索Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2434Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 搜索
Podcast: 搜索
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AI Study Notes for 搜索
Quick Contrast
查找 (cházhǎo) - use 搜索 when emphasizing a systematic or extensive search, while 查找 is more about finding specific items or information.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a detective (the character 搜) with a magnifying glass (the radical '氵' represents searching through water or depths) scouring the ground (the character '索' suggests looking thoroughly) for clues. This visual of a meticulous search helps connect the pronunciation 'sōu suǒ' to the action of searching.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is confusing 搜索 with 查找 (chá zhǎo), which also means to look for but is less intensive. 搜索 is typically used in more formal contexts, especially regarding technology, while 查找 can be used in everyday conversation. Be mindful of the tones: 'sōu' (first tone) is high and steady, while 'suǒ' (third tone) dips and then rises.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 5, students should focus on using 搜索 in both spoken and written forms, especially in contexts involving technology and research. It connects well with other HSK 5 vocabulary related to information retrieval, such as 信息 (xìn xī - information) and 数据 (shù jù - data).
Cultural Note
In modern China, the term 搜索 is often associated with the use of search engines like Baidu, reflecting the importance of the Internet in daily life and information access.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 搜索 with other verbs like 找 (zhǎo - to find) or 查找 (chá zhǎo - to look up). For example, saying '我在找信息' (Wǒ zài zhǎo xìn xī) is less precise than '我在搜索信息' (Wǒ zài sōu suǒ xìn xī), which emphasizes a more active search.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 搜索
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Grammar Patterns of 搜索
搜索 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
我向下滚动文档____“美利坚合众国”。
I scrolled down to find "United States of America".
The torchlight swung across the little beach and out over the water, searching.
4
要搜索的区域已经划了出来.
yào sōu suǒ de qū yù yǐ jīng huá le chū lái.
The region to be researched has been traced out.
5
“拾荒式”搜索能作为例子或课程指引.
“ “ shí huāng” shì ” sōu suǒ néng zuò wéi lì zǐ huò kè chéng.
Scavenger hunts can be as simple or involved as circumstances dictate.
Cultural Notes for 搜索
🏮Cultural insight
In modern China, the term 搜索 is often associated with the use of search engines like Baidu, reflecting the importance of the Internet in daily life and information access.
Frequently Asked Questions about 搜索
You can use 搜索 for both physical items and information, but it is more commonly associated with searching for data, especially online.
搜索 implies a more thorough and often digital search, while 查找 is more general and can mean simply looking for something without the depth.
搜索 is generally used in more formal contexts, particularly in technology and information retrieval.
