取经

qǔjīng

to journey to India on a quest for the Buddhist scriptures

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"取经" originally refers to the act of obtaining Buddhist scriptures, famously depicted in the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West." In modern usage, it metaphorically means to seek knowledge, experience, or advice from others, often by visiting places or experts known for their expertise.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used when someone travels or consults others to learn advanced skills, management techniques, or cultural knowledge. For example, businesspeople "go to take scriptures" (取经) abroad to learn from more developed markets.

Collocations and Patterns

Usage Notes

When using 取经, the speaker implies a respectful attitude toward the source of knowledge, often highlighting the effort to learn from a more experienced or authoritative figure or place. It is more formal and literary than simply saying "学习" (to study).

Avoid confusing 取经 with literal religious pilgrimage unless the context clearly involves Buddhist scripture. In everyday conversation, it usually means seeking practical knowledge or experience.

Example Sentences

他去印度取经,学习佛教经典。

Tā qù Yìndù qǔjīng, xuéxí fójiào jīngdiǎn.

He went to India to obtain scriptures and study Buddhist classics.

很多企业家去国外取经,学习先进的管理经验。

Hěn duō qǐyèjiā qù guówài qǔjīng, xuéxí xiānjìn de guǎnlǐ jīngyàn.

Many entrepreneurs go abroad to learn advanced management experience.

他这次去北京取经,想了解最新的技术发展。

Tā zhè cì qù Běijīng qǔjīng, xiǎng liǎojiě zuìxīn de jìshù fāzhǎn.

This time he went to Beijing to learn and understand the latest