恳托 (kěn tuō) is a formal, written verb meaning 'to earnestly entrust' or 'to beseech someone to take on a task or responsibility.' The first character 恳 (kěn) conveys sincerity, earnestness, and heartfelt appeal — it suggests deep respect and humility. The second character 托 (tuō) means 'to entrust,' 'to entrust with care,' or 'to ask someone to do something on one’s behalf.' Together, 恳托 emphasizes both emotional weight and moral seriousness: it's not just a casual request but a respectful, almost solemn delegation rooted in trust and urgency.

This term appears frequently in formal letters, official correspondence, literary works, and polite spoken requests — especially when the speaker feels indebted, vulnerable, or deeply reliant on the other person’s help. It often implies the entrusted matter is important, sensitive, or time-sensitive, and carries an unspoken expectation of conscientious follow-through. While grammatically transitive, 恳托 is typically followed by a noun phrase (e.g., 恳托您一件事) or a clause introduced by 请 or that clarifies the requested action.