征求
zhēngqiú · HSK 4
seek
📢 征 = summon/levy + 求 = seek; together: officially seek out
征 carries the sense of a campaign or official call (as in 征兵 conscript), and 求 means to request or pursue. Combined, 征求 is to formally solicit something — opinions, consent, contributions — rather than a casual ask.
征 — 彳 (step) + 正 (upright/correct)
Originally written 征, this character combines 彳 'step/walk' with 正 'upright,' suggesting a righteous march or expedition. It first meant a military campaign or journey to subdue, then broadened to 'to go on a long trip' and figuratively 'to levy' (as in collecting taxes during campaigns).
求 — pictograph of a fur garment
求 originally depicted a fur coat or pelt, with hairs hanging from the sides. It was later borrowed phonetically to mean 'seek' or 'request,' and the original 'fur' meaning was taken over by 裘. Today 求 almost always means to seek, beg, or pursue.