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

The character 探 is a phono-semantic compound with the hand radical 扌 on the left, signifying an action performed by hand, and the phonetic component 罙 on the right. Its original meaning, to feel about, reach out, or grope for something, draws directly from this hand element. From this physical act of reaching to find, the sense expanded to abstract ideas like exploring, investigating, or probing. It also developed the meaning of visiting someone, evolving from the physical reach to the broader concept of seeking out people 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.