How to Write 逑 (qiú) — Meaning “To match / Mate”

Picture a person walking (辶) along a path, searching (求) for their perfect partner. This image combines the two parts: moving forward while seeking. Think of it as "walking to find a mate."

Write the radical 辶 first: a dot, then a folded stroke, and a long sweep. The inner part 求 has 7 strokes: horizontal, vertical hook, dot, lift, left-falling, right-falling, dot. Make sure the 辶 wraps around the 求, with the top of 求 slightly below the dot of 辶. A common mistake is making the 辶 too small or misplacing the dot.

迢 (tiáo) means "distant" and has 召 (call) inside, while 迤 (yǐ) means "winding" and has 也 (also) inside. 逑 has 求 (seek) inside and means "to match" or "mate." Visually, the right-side components are different: 召, 也, and 求 are easy to distinguish once you know their meanings.

逑 is mostly found in classical or literary expressions, especially the word 好逑 (hǎo qiú) meaning "ideal match" or "good spouse," which comes from the ancient Book of Songs. In modern everyday speech, it is rare and sounds poetic. You might see it in formal wedding congratulations or romantic writing.

Common words containing 逑 include: 好逑 (hǎo qiú) — ideal match; good spouse; 逑合 (qiú hé) — To unite / To match; 配逑 (pèi qiú) — To match / To marry.