Meaning
求知 means to actively seek or pursue knowledge and learning. It emphasizes the desire and effort to acquire understanding, rather than passive reception of information. The word conveys intellectual curiosity and a proactive attitude toward education and self-improvement.
Usage
This is a somewhat formal or literary term often used in educational contexts, motivational speeches, or written materials. It commonly appears in phrases like 求知欲 (thirst for knowledge) and is associated with positive personal development. Native speakers use it to describe someone's attitude toward learning rather than the act of studying itself.
Examples
- 01年轻人应该保持求知的热情。.Young people should maintain their enthusiasm for seeking knowledge.
- 02她的求知欲很强，总是问很多问题。, .Her thirst for knowledge is very strong; she always asks many questions.
Characters
Common collocations
- 求知欲thirst for knowledge, intellectual curiosity
- 求知若渴to thirst for knowledge (idiom)
- 求知精神spirit of seeking knowledge
Antonyms
Origin
求 (to seek) combined with 知 (knowledge) creates a direct and transparent meaning. This word follows classical Chinese word formation patterns where two characters of related meaning combine to form a compound verb.