探讨

• Pinyin: tàn tǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 探 = to probe; 讨 = to discuss — to probe through discussion, explore a topic

Meaning

To discuss; to explore (a topic); to investigate through discussion. Examining a subject through thoughtful deliberation.

A more formal and intellectual term than 讨论. Used in academic, professional, and serious contexts: 探讨问题 (discuss issues), 深入探讨 (explore in depth), 学术探讨 (academic discussion). Implies thorough examination rather than casual conversation. Often involves multiple perspectives.

Examples

1. 专家们齐聚一堂，探讨人工智能的发展趋势。 Experts gathered to discuss trends in artificial intelligence development.
2. 这个问题值得我们进一步深入探讨。 This issue is worth exploring further in depth.
3. 会议上大家就环境保护问题展开了热烈探讨。 At the meeting, everyone engaged in heated discussion about environmental protection.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, professional, research

Tone: intellectual

Do Say

• 我们来探讨一下这个方案的可行性。(Let's explore the feasibility of this plan.)
• 这篇论文探讨了气候变化的影响。(This paper explores the impacts of climate change.)

Don't Say

• 朋友聊天不用'探讨' (Don't use 探讨 for casual chatting with friends — use 聊 or 讨论)

Origin & History

Compound of 探 (to probe, explore) + 讨 (to discuss, investigate). Together meaning to probe through discussion.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated