Definitions
Etymology
Pictograph of a crawling insect. The current meaning "seek" or "beg" is a phonetic loan.
About
In its modern form, 求 functions as a single integrated character, though it is sometimes placed under the water radical 水 due to its shape. Etymologically, it began as a pictograph of a crawling insect. The current meanings 'seek' and 'beg' are the result of phonetic loan, the character was borrowed for its sound to represent these abstract ideas, and it eventually lost all connection to the insect it originally depicted. Today, 求 serves solely as a verb, covering begging, requesting, striving for a goal, demanding, or searching for something.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我请求你的帮助。
他要求明天见面。
她追求更好的生活。
我需要求助老师。
孩子们求妈妈买玩具。
在困难时期，人们往往求助于朋友。
他求教于一位专家。
科学家们不断追求真理，以推动人类进步。
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