探求

• Pinyin: tàn qiú
• Hanzi breakdown: 探 = 扌+ 罙; 求 = pictograph of fur/skin, extended to mean 'to seek'

Meaning

To seek; to explore; to search for. Actively pursuing knowledge, truth, or solutions.

An intellectual or philosophical term for actively seeking understanding, truth, or answers. More purposeful than casual curiosity. Often used in academic, scientific, or spiritual contexts.

Examples

1. 科学家们一直在探求宇宙起源的奥秘。 Scientists have always been exploring the mysteries of the universe's origins.
2. 人类对真理的探求是永无止境的。 Humanity's search for truth is endless.
3. 他用一生的时间探求生命的意义，最终找到了内心的平静。 He spent his whole life exploring the meaning of life and eventually found inner peace.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, philosophical, scientific

Tone: intellectual

Do Say

• 探求真理是学者的使命。(Seeking truth is the scholar's mission.)
• 值得我们去探求。(It's worth exploring.)

Don't Say

• 把日常'找东西'说成'探求' (探求 is for abstract pursuits — for physical searching, use 寻找 or 找)

Origin & History

探 means to probe or explore, 求 means to seek. Together: to probe and seek; to search for.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal