How to Say ‘To hope for; to seek (a benefit)’ in Simplified Chinese
图
💬 Usage Tip: In this context, [图] means “to seek/for the sake of” (not “picture”). Used in the phrase [图个吉利].
🇨🇳 In China: People often explain a small ritual or gift with [图…] meaning “we do it for a good meaning.”
Word-by-Word Breakdown
图
[tú]
to hope for; to aim for; to seek (a benefit/result)
In phrases like “图个…”, 图 means “to do something for the sake of / to seek,” often implying you’re not expecting anything big—just a good sign or small benefit (common around Chinese New Year).
过年贴春联，就是图个好彩头，这个“图”很常用。
Putting up Spring Festival couplets for New Year is just to seek a good omen; this “图” is very commonly used.
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