孜孜以求

zīzīyǐqiú

idiom

Meanings

1 to pursue diligently and tirelessly
2 to strive after something with unflagging effort
3 to seek unceasingly

Characters

so as to; in order to

to seek; pursue

Examples

HSK 3

这是我们孜孜以求的目标。

Zhè shì wǒmen zīzīyǐqiú de mùbiāo.

This is the goal we pursue without ever slackening.

HSK 3

他对完美孜孜以求。

Tā duì wánměi zīzīyǐqiú.

He pursues perfection relentlessly.

HSK 5

他一生孜孜以求科学真理。

Tā yīshēng zīzīyǐqiú kēxué zhēnlǐ.

He spent his whole life tirelessly pursuing scientific truth.

Tips

usage

Formal and positive. Pairs with abstract, high-minded objects: 真理, 理想, 目标, 事业, 完美. Not used for trivial everyday pursuits.

memory

孜孜 is a reduplicative meaning 'diligent, tireless' - mimics the quiet hum of persistent effort. 以求 = 'in order to seek'. Whole phrase: 'diligently seeking'.

Stroke Order

孜 zī

以 yǐ

求 qiú