Meaning of 探索
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- to explore; to probe
How to use 探索
探索 is a fairly formal verb for exploring ideas, science, space, or new methods. It also works as a noun, as in 对宇宙的探索 (exploration of the universe). Example: 科学家在探索宇宙的奥秘。(Kēxuéjiā zài tànsuǒ yǔzhòu de àomì.) Scientists are exploring the mysteries of the universe.
探 (tàn) has the hand radical 扌, so picture a hand reaching out to feel around. 索 (suǒ) also appears in 线索 (xiànsuǒ, clues) and 搜索 (sōusuǒ, to search), so 探索 is reaching out to search for what is unknown.
Common mistake: Learners often use 探索 for casually looking around a new city. For a physical trip into dangerous or unknown places, 探险 (tànxiǎn) fits better. For just looking around a place, 逛逛 (guàngguang) is more natural. Also do not mix up 索 (suǒ) with 紧 (jǐn) or 素 (sù), which look similar.
探索 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
探 tàn · to explore · 11 strokes
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索 suǒ · cable · 10 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 探索.
| 线索 | xiànsuǒ | trail; clues |
| 搜索 | sōusuǒ | to search (a place, a database, online etc); to search for (sth) |
| 探讨 | tàntǎo | to investigate; to probe |
| 探望 | tànwàng | to visit; to call on sb |
| 探险 | tànxiǎn | to explore; to go on an expedition |
| 探测 | tàncè | to probe; to survey |
| 试探 | shìtan | to sound out; to probe |
| 索取 | suǒqǔ | to ask; to demand |
| 思索 | sīsuǒ | to think deeply; to ponder |
| 索赔 | suǒpéi | to ask for compensation; to claim damages |
| 摸索 | mōsuǒ | to feel about; to grope about |
| 利索 | lìsuo | nimble |
Questions about 探索
What does 探索 mean?
探索 (tànsuǒ) means "to explore; to probe" and is used as a verb.
How do you write 探索?
探索 is made of 2 characters: 探 (11 strokes), 索 (10 strokes). That is 21 strokes in total.
Is 探索 an HSK word?
Yes. 探索 is on the HSK 6 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
What is the difference between 探索 and 探讨?
探索 means exploring something unknown, often over a long time, like new technology or a way forward. 探讨 (tàntǎo) means discussing or examining a question, usually through talk or writing.
Can 探索 take a direct object?
Yes. You can say 探索未知 (tànsuǒ wèizhī, to explore the unknown) or 探索新方法 (tànsuǒ xīn fāngfǎ, to explore new methods). It is also common in the pattern 不断探索 (keep exploring).