Usage and Nuance
The verb 谋取 (móuqǔ) means to scheme or plan to obtain something, often with a connotation of seeking personal gain, advantage, or profit. It is frequently used in contexts involving ambition, sometimes implying unethical or self-serving motives, such as seeking power, wealth, or benefits.
Common Collocations
- 谋取利益: to seek profits, often with a hint of self-interest
- 谋取私利: to seek personal gain, usually with negative connotations
- 谋取市场份额: to gain market share, a more neutral/business usage
Register and Tone
谋取 is somewhat formal and often appears in written or formal spoken Chinese, especially in news reports, official statements, or discussions about politics and business. It can carry a slightly negative tone when used to describe selfish or unethical behavior.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse 谋取 with 取得 (qǔdé), which means simply to obtain or achieve something without the scheming or planning nuance. 谋取 emphasizes the intention and effort to gain something, often with a strategic or sometimes dubious implication.