Definitions

tàn (verb) to explore; to investigate
tàn (verb) to search; to scout
tàn (verb) to visit

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic:

About

is a phono-semantic compound combining the hand radical , which signals an action done with the hands, and the phonetic component . The character's earliest sense was to stretch out the hand to feel or grope for something, a meaning that closely follows the hand radical. From this physical notion of reaching out in search of something, the meaning broadened to cover exploring and investigating in a more abstract sense, extending one's mental reach to examine or probe a situation. It also developed the meaning of visiting or calling on someone, as if reaching out to a person to seek contact or information.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我去医院病。

Wǒ qù yīyuàn tànbìng.

I go to the hospital to visit the sick.

索宇宙的奥秘。

Tā tànsuǒ yǔzhòu de àomì.

He explores the mysteries of the universe.

警察测犯罪现场。

Jǐngchá tàncè fànzuì xiànchǎng.

The police detect the crime scene.

科学家深入研究索。

Kēxuéjiā shēnrù yánjiū tànsuǒ.

Scientists conduct in-depth research and exploration.

我们打算周末去望亲戚。

Wǒmen dǎsuàn zhōumò qù tànwàng qīnqi.

We plan to visit relatives on the weekend.

险队准备出发去深山。

Tànxiǎnduì zhǔnbèi chūfā qù shēnshān.

The expedition team prepares to depart for the deep mountains.

通过测数据,他们发现了新资源。

Tōngguò tàncè shùjù, tāmen fāxiànle xīn zīyuán.

Through detecting data, they discovered new resources.

索未知领域时,我们必须谨慎。

Zài tànsuǒ wèizhī lǐngyù shí, wǒmen bìxū jǐnshèn.

When exploring unknown fields, we must be cautious.