力求 + 动词／形容词
to strive to …; to do one’s utmost to be …
Structure
主语 力求 动词短语／形容词
What it means
Formal 'to strive to …; to aim to be …': states a standard that the people, or the work itself, try hard to reach.
How it is built
Subject + 力求 + verb phrase or adjective (often two, joined by 、): 文字力求简洁、准确 (The writing aims to be concise and accurate). Also 力求做到…: 力求做到每个数据都有出处.
When to use it
Prefaces, reports, editorial rules, official statements. The subject can be people (我们力求…) or the work (文字力求…). For a noun goal use 争取 or 力争 (力争第一); in speech say 尽量 (尽量写短一点).
Watch out
No plain noun object: ✗ 力求第一 ✓ 力争第一. Do not swap in 极力／竭力 before a bare adjective: ✗ 极力简洁 ✓ 力求简洁 or 竭力做到简洁. Those adverbs need a verb (极力反对).
Examples
文字力求简洁、准确，能用一句话说清楚的，绝不用两句。
The writing aims to be concise and accurate: never two sentences where one will do.
这次修订力求做到每一个数据都有出处。
This revision aims to give a source for every single figure.
博物馆的说明文字力求浅显，让孩子也能看懂。
The museum’s labels aim to be simple, so that children can understand them too.
Learn this in Lesson 254 · HSK 9+: 一本书的诞生 (How a book is made)
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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