探索

• Pinyin: tàn suǒ
• Hanzi breakdown: 探 = to probe; 索 = to seek — to probe and seek, explore

Meaning

To explore; to probe; exploration. Investigating or seeking to discover something unknown.

Used for both physical and intellectual exploration: 太空探索 (space exploration), 科学探索 (scientific exploration), 探索未知 (exploring the unknown), 探索真理 (seeking truth). Also used figuratively for trying new approaches: 探索新模式 (exploring new models). Implies curiosity and systematic investigation.

Examples

1. 人类对宇宙的探索从未停止过。 Humanity's exploration of the universe has never stopped.
2. 科学家们正在探索治疗这种疾病的新方法。 Scientists are exploring new methods to treat this disease.
3. 年轻人应该勇于探索未知的领域。 Young people should be brave in exploring unknown fields.

Usage Guide

Context: science, research, discovery

Tone: intellectual

Do Say

• 我们需要不断探索创新。(We need to keep exploring and innovating.)
• 这是一次有意义的探索。(This is a meaningful exploration.)

Don't Say

• 日常找东西不用'探索' (Don't use 探索 for everyday searching — use 找 or 寻找; 探索 implies systematic investigation of the unknown)

Origin & History

Compound of 探 (to probe, reach for) + 索 (to search, seek). Together meaning to probe and seek — to explore.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated