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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).