探

• Pinyin: tàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 探 = 扌(hand) + 罙 (deep, phonetic)

Meaning

To explore; to probe; to reach for; to visit. Investigating or reaching out.

A versatile verb meaning to investigate (探索), probe (探测), visit (探望), or physically reach for something. Often implies careful or tentative action. Used in many compounds.

Examples

1. 他探头看了看窗外，确认没人才走出去。 He poked his head out the window to check, and only went out after confirming no one was there.
2. 我想探探他的口风，看看他对这事是什么态度。 I want to sound him out and see what his attitude is toward this matter.
3. 好奇心驱使她去探那个从未有人进入过的山洞。 Curiosity drove her to explore the cave that no one had ever entered.

Usage Guide

Context: investigation, physical action, colloquial

Tone: active

Do Say

• 他探出头来。(He poked his head out.)
• 我想先探探情况。(I want to check out the situation first.)

Don't Say

• 把'探'单独用于正式场合 (In formal contexts, use compound forms like 探索, 探访, 探讨)

Origin & History

The character combines 扌 (hand) with 罙 (deep, phonetic), suggesting reaching into or probing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal