Definition
探 (tàn) is a versatile verb meaning to explore, scout, visit, or stretch forward. Its near-synonyms are more specific: 探索 is general exploration, 探险 is dangerous exploration, 探究 is in-depth investigation, 摸索 is groping/trial-and-error, and 勘探 is resource prospecting. Unlike these, 探 also has the distinct meanings of visiting someone (探亲) and leaning out (探出身子).
verb
to exploreto scoutto reconnoiterto visitto go and see (someone)to stretch forwardto lean out
Easily confused
- 深shēnlook-alikedeep (of water, hole, color, etc.)
- 谈tánsound-aliketo talk; to discuss
- 弹tánsound-aliketo play (a stringed or keyboard instrument) by pressing or plucking
- 摊tānsound-alike(verb) to spread out, to unfold
- 痰tánsound-alikephlegm
- 贪tānsound-alike(verb) to covet, to be greedy for (e.g., money, pleasure)
- 炭tànsound-alikecharcoal (wood charcoal)
- 瘫tānsound-aliketo be paralyzed (of a body part)
- 坛tánsound-alike(noun) platform, rostrum, podium
Examples
- 。Shìbīngmen xūyào xiān qù tàn míng díqíng.The soldiers need to scout out the enemy situation first.
- 。Měinián chūnjié tā dōu huíqù tàn qīn.He goes back to visit his family every Spring Festival.
- 探。Tā tàn chū shēnzi xiàng chuāng wài kàn.He leaned out of the window to look.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.