乞求 qǐqiú to beg
How to remember 乞求: 乞 to beg + 求 request = to beg.
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How it is used
- To beg/plead earnestly for something abstract - 乞求原谅 (qǐqiú yuánliàng) to beg for forgiveness, 乞求怜悯 (qǐqiú liánmǐn) to beg for mercy.
- Contrast 乞讨 (qǐtǎo), which is begging for money/food on the street; 乞求 is emotional pleading, often desperate or humbling.
- Near 恳求 (kěnqiú, to implore) but 乞求 sounds more abject and lowly.