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尋 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
尋xúnto seek; to search for, to look for; ancientzg, 12 strokes, radical 寸
xún(xun2)xun T2
  1. 1to seek; to search for, to look for; ancient
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March 24, 2026

尋xún(xun2)

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.

Strokes12Radical寸
Cultural Note

The concept of searching is significant in Chinese culture, often tied to philosophical ideas about seeking truth and wisdom. The term is frequently used in traditional poetry and literature that reflects the quest for knowledge or spiritual enlightenment.

Memory Tip

Imagine a detective (the character 尋) with a magnifying glass seeking clues. The left side of the character resembles a person walking (亻), while the right side features a symbol of searching (寻). Picture the detective saying 'xún!' every time he finds a clue.

Meanings of 尋

xún(xun2)
1to seek; to search for, to look for; ancient
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 尋 means.

About 尋

尋Simplified
12Strokes
寸Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 尋

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Podcast: 尋

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AI Study Notes for 尋

Quick Contrast

探 (tàn) - use 尋 (xún) when the search is for something specific or known, while 探 (tàn) suggests a more exploratory or investigative search.

Usage Notes

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).

HSK Study Tips

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.

Common Mistakes

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.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 尋

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Etymology of 尋

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 尋. Pictograph of two outstretched arms searching for something.

Memory Hint

A hand 彐 looking 工 for an item 口; 寸 provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 尋?

Decomposition of 尋

IDS Structure⿳彐⿰工口寸
尋Full Character
=
彐ji4
top
工gong1
left
口kou3
right
寸cun4
Exercise 1 of 3

Parts

Which of these is part of 尋?

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xún

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

尋

Practice writing 尋 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 尋

Words Containing This Character20
寻找xúnzhǎoto seek尋找
寻xúnto search尋
寻求xúnqiúto seek尋求
寻常xúnchángusual尋常
搜寻sōuxúnto search搜尋
找寻to look for找尋
追寻to pursue追尋
寻觅xúnmìto look for尋覓
探寻to search探尋
寻思to consider尋思
耐人寻味nàirénxúnwèithought-provoking耐人尋味
寻死to attempt suicide尋死
寻访to inquire after尋訪
寻欢作乐pleasure seeking (idiom); life of dissipation尋歡作樂
寻开心to make fun of尋開心
寻宝treasure hunt尋寶
异乎寻常unusual異乎尋常
寻衅to pick a quarrel尋釁
自寻烦恼to bring trouble on oneself (idiom)自尋煩惱
寻呼机pager尋呼機
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 尋

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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