不求…，但求…
not asking for A, only for B; all one asks is…
Structure
不求 较高的愿望 ，但求 朴素的愿望
What it means
“Not asking for A, only for B”: states a modest wish or personal principle. 但 here is the classical “only”, not “but”.
How it is built
不求 + grand or tempting thing，但求 + humble thing: 做事不求完美，但求尽力 (I don't ask for perfection, only to do my best).
When to use it
Balanced and slightly literary, for wishes, mottos and principles. 但求 can stand alone (但求无愧于心). Close relatives: 不图…，只图… and 只求….
Watch out
✗不求…，但是求… ✗不求…，但要求…: keep the bare 但求. Never reverse the order: the grand thing goes after 不求, the humble one after 但求.
Examples
人们的心愿其实很朴素：不求大富大贵，但求出海平安、一家太平。
People’s wishes are really very simple: they do not ask for great wealth or rank, only for a safe voyage and peace at home.
做事不求完美，但求尽力。
In whatever I do I don’t ask for perfection, only to do my best.
这次比赛不求拿名次，但求发挥出正常水平。
In this competition I am not after a placing, only to perform as well as I normally do.
Learn this in Lesson 245 · HSK 9+: 妈祖 (Mazu, goddess of the sea)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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