The Chinese word **探讨 (tàntǎo)**, meaning "to investigate" or "to probe into," is a compound formed by combining two characters with related meanings. The first character, **探 (tàn)**, means "to explore," "to search," or "to investigate." The second character, **讨 (tǎo)**, means "to discuss," "to deliberate," or "to seek." When joined, they create a synergistic meaning that goes beyond simple discussion; it implies a deep, inquisitive, and methodical process of examining a topic through collaborative inquiry and analysis, thus capturing the essence of a thorough investigation or earnest exploration of a subject.