探测

• Pinyin: tàn cè
• Hanzi breakdown: 探 = 扌+ 罙; 测 = 氵(water) + 则 (rule)

Meaning

To detect; to probe; to sense. Using instruments to discover or measure.

A technical term for detection using instruments or sensors. Common in scientific, military, and technical contexts — detecting signals, underground resources, space phenomena, etc.

Examples

1. 这颗卫星的任务是探测火星表面的地质结构。 The satellite's mission is to probe the geological structure of Mars' surface.
2. 机场的安检设备能探测到各种金属物品。 Airport security equipment can detect various metal objects.
3. 科学家们正在用最先进的设备探测宇宙中的引力波。 Scientists are using the most advanced equipment to detect gravitational waves in the universe.

Usage Guide

Context: scientific, technical, military

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 探测器已经发射升空。(The probe has been launched.)
• 雷达能探测到飞机。(Radar can detect aircraft.)

Don't Say

• 把日常'发现'说成'探测' (探测 implies using instruments — for casual discovery, use 发现 or 找到)

Origin & History

探 means to probe, 测 means to measure or survey. Together: to probe and measure; to detect.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal