Meanings of 探望
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About 探望
Podcast: 探望
Podcast: 探望
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AI Study Notes for 探望
探访 (tànfǎng) is used for visiting someone with a focus on the act of visiting itself, while 探望 (tànwàng) emphasizes checking on someone's well-being.
Imagine a detective (探, tàn) who is looking around (望, wàng) to find a lost friend. The 'detective' aspect connects to the idea of seeking out someone to visit, and the character components visually represent this idea of searching and looking.
Be mindful of the formality of this term; it is more suitable in formal contexts compared to casual terms like '看' (kàn). Common collocations include '探望病人' (tànwàng bìngrén) meaning 'to visit a patient'. Avoid confusing it with '拜访' (bàifǎng), which is more general for visiting.
As an HSK 6 word, 探望 connects with other words related to social interactions and relationships. Students should focus on using it in context with phrases that involve formal visits and well-wishing.
In Chinese culture, visiting someone who is ill or in need is a sign of respect and concern, reflecting the Confucian value of familial and social responsibility.
Learners often confuse 探望 with other visit-related words. For example, saying '我去探望朋友' (Wǒ qù tànwàng péngyǒu) may sound unnatural; instead, use '我去看朋友' (Wǒ qù kàn péngyǒu) for casual visits.
Pronunciation of 探望
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Component Characters
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Practice writing 探望 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 探望
探望 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
他们几个在墙角处鬼头鬼脑地往外____.
They peeped out stealthily from a corner of the wall.
Example Sentences for 探望 (1)
Cultural Notes for 探望
In Chinese culture, visiting someone who is ill or in need is a sign of respect and concern, reflecting the Confucian value of familial and social responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions about 探望
探望 is considered a more formal term for visiting, often used in contexts of concern or support.