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搜寻 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
搜寻sōuxúnto searchHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #4571, Very Hard
搜寻sōuxúnto look forHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #4571, Very Hard
sōuxún(sou1xun2)sou xun T1
  1. 1to search
  2. 2to look for
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March 24, 2026

搜寻(搜尋)sōuxún(sou1xun2)

The word 搜寻 means 'to search' or 'to look for' and is commonly used in contexts where one is actively trying to find something, whether it be information, a person, or an object. It implies a thorough and often methodical effort in searching, distinguishing it from more casual terms for looking.

Strokes18Frequency#4571DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

Searching for information is a significant part of Chinese culture, especially in the age of technology where online searches have become a primary method for gathering knowledge. The term is frequently used in educational settings, reflecting the importance placed on research and learning.

Memory tip

Imagine a detective (搜) with a magnifying glass, searching (寻) through a pile of clues. The character 搜 conveys the idea of digging deep into something, while 寻 suggests following trails to find the truth.

Meanings of 搜寻

sōuxún(sou1xun2)
1to search
2to look for
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About 搜寻

搜寻Simplified
搜尋Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 搜寻

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AI study notes for 搜寻

Quick Contrast

寻找 (xúnzhǎo) — use 搜寻 for a more systematic or thorough search, while 寻找 is more general and casual.

Usage Notes

Be cautious of the tone when pronouncing this word; the first character, 搜, is pronounced with a high level tone (sōu), while the second character, 寻, uses a rising tone (xún). It's often used in both formal and informal contexts, but can sound more serious when used in formal situations.

HSK Study Tips

Although not explicitly listed in HSK levels, this word can be useful for learners at HSK 4 and above who are expanding their vocabulary related to actions and activities. Focus on the context of searching for information, which relates to other words about inquiry and investigation.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 搜寻 with the more casual 找 (zhǎo), using it in informal contexts where a simpler word could suffice. For instance, saying '我在搜寻我的钥匙' (I'm searching for my keys) is overly formal; '我在找我的钥匙' would be more appropriate.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 搜寻

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Component characters

搜sōuto search
HSK 512 strokes扌
View full entry
寻xúnto search
HSK 76 strokes彐
View full entry

How to say to search in Chinese

“to search” in Chinese is搜寻sōuxún

The word 搜寻 means 'to search' or 'to look for' and is commonly used in contexts where one is actively trying to find something, whether it be information, a person, or an object. It implies a thorough and often methodical effort in searching, distinguishing it from more casual terms for looking.

When to use 搜寻

Be cautious of the tone when pronouncing this word; the first character, 搜, is pronounced with a high level tone (sōu), while the second character, 寻, uses a rising tone (xún). It's often used in both formal and informal contexts, but can sound more serious when used in formal situations.

搜寻 or something close to it

寻找 (xúnzhǎo) — use 搜寻 for a more systematic or thorough search, while 寻找 is more general and casual.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 搜寻 with the more casual 找 (zhǎo), using it in informal contexts where a simpler word could suffice. For instance, saying '我在搜寻我的钥匙' (I'm searching for my keys) is overly formal; '我在找我的钥匙' would be more appropriate.

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搜
寻

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Frequently asked questions about 搜寻

While it's appropriate for most contexts, 搜寻 is generally more formal. For casual situations, you might simply use 找 (zhǎo) instead.

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