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March 24, 2026
寻找(尋找)xúnzhǎo(xun2zhao3)
The verb '寻找' (xúnzhǎo) means 'to seek' or 'to look for.' It is commonly used when referring to searching for something or someone, whether it be a physical object or an abstract concept such as happiness. This word suggests a deliberate action of searching, often with a sense of purpose.
Frequency#1106DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of searching can be deeply symbolic, often relating to philosophical ideas of seeking truth or personal fulfillment. For example, '寻找自我' (to seek oneself) reflects a common theme in Chinese literature and self-cultivation practices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a detective (寻) with a magnifying glass searching (找) high and low for clues. The character '寻' looks like a person searching, and '找' has the component that resembles a hand reaching out to find something.
Meanings of 寻找
xúnzhǎo(xun2zhao3)
1to seek
2to look for
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 寻找
寻找Simplified
尋找Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1106Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 寻找
Podcast: 寻找
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AI Study Notes for 寻找
Quick Contrast
寻找 (xúnzhǎo) vs 寻找 (xúnzhǎo) — '寻找' emphasizes a more purposeful search, while '寻找' can imply a more casual or general search.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a detective (寻) with a magnifying glass searching (找) high and low for clues. The character '寻' looks like a person searching, and '找' has the component that resembles a hand reaching out to find something.
Usage Notes
'寻找' is typically used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in written language. Students often confuse it with '找' (zhǎo), which is less formal and can mean 'to find' or 'to look for' in a more casual sense. Be mindful of the tones: '寻' (xún) is second tone and '找' (zhǎo) is third tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, '寻找' is essential for discussing actions and intentions in a more nuanced way. Students should focus on using it in sentences that express purpose or desire, connecting it with other HSK 5 vocabulary related to emotions or goals.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of searching can be deeply symbolic, often relating to philosophical ideas of seeking truth or personal fulfillment. For example, '寻找自我' (to seek oneself) reflects a common theme in Chinese literature and self-cultivation practices.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use '寻找' in very casual conversations where '找' would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我寻找我的手机' (I am looking for my phone) sounds overly formal; '我找我的手机' is more natural.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 寻找
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Grammar Patterns of 寻找
寻找 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 2 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 4
Complete the Sentence
燧发枪团士兵琼斯奔向作战指挥室____他的中尉长官。
Fusilier Jones ran towards the Ops Room to find his lieutenant.
Many people want jobs. They try to search them out every day.
8
内心痛苦、突感寂寞的她去寻找琼－保罗。
nèi xīn tòng kǔ、 、 tū gǎn jì mò de tā qù xún zhǎo－ qióng －。
Miserable, and unexpectedly lonely, she went in search of Jean-Paul.
9
为他的犹豫不决寻找借口是很容易的。
wéi tā de yóu yù bù jué xún zhǎo jiè kǒu shì hěn róng yì de。
It is easy to find excuses for his indecisiveness.
10
风带着雨星, 像在地上寻找什么似的,东一头西一头的乱撞.
fēng dài zháo yǔ xīng, , xiàng zài dì shàng xún zhǎo shí mó sì, de , dōng yī tóu xī yī tóu de.
Raindrops carried by the wind spattered now here now there, as if in search of something.
Cultural Notes for 寻找
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of searching can be deeply symbolic, often relating to philosophical ideas of seeking truth or personal fulfillment. For example, '寻找自我' (to seek oneself) reflects a common theme in Chinese literature and self-cultivation practices.
Frequently Asked Questions about 寻找
'寻找' implies a more serious or intentional search, while '找' is more casual and can refer to both searching and finding.
'寻找' is more commonly found in written texts and formal speeches, while '找' is frequently used in everyday conversation.
You might hear '寻找机会' (to seek opportunities) or '寻找答案' (to look for answers) in various contexts.
