希求 (xī qiú) is a formal literary verb meaning 'to earnestly seek' or 'to long for something deeply,' often with a tone of reverence, urgency, or spiritual yearning. The character 希 (xī) conveys rarity and aspiration—suggesting something precious or hard to attain—while 求 (qiú) means 'to seek' or 'to request.' Together, they express not just casual wanting but a profound, heartfelt pursuit, frequently used in philosophical, religious, or poetic contexts (e.g., seeking truth, enlightenment, or moral virtue). It carries more gravity and emotional weight than common synonyms like 想要 or 寻找.

This word is rarely used in everyday spoken Chinese; it appears most often in written language—classical texts, modern essays on ethics or spirituality, or solemn speeches. It typically takes an abstract noun as its object (e.g., 真理, 解脱, 平安), and seldom governs pronouns or concrete objects. Because of its elevated register, using 希求 in casual conversation may sound unnatural or overly dramatic.