Meanings of 探索
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 探索
Podcast: 探索
Podcast: 探索
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 探索
探索 (tànsuǒ) vs 调查 (diàochá) — use 探索 for a broader, more open-ended investigation, while 调查 is more specific to structured inquiries or surveys.
Imagine a 'tan' (sounds like 'tan' in 'tango') dance where you are 'suo' (think of 'sore' from 'exploring' too much) as you explore new territories. The dance represents the careful and curious movement through uncharted areas.
Be careful not to confuse 探索 with similar verbs like 研究 (yán jiū), which means to study or research in a more formal sense. 探索 is more informal and often implies a hands-on approach. Common collocations include 探索未知 (tàn suǒ wèi zhī - explore the unknown) or 探索新领域 (tàn suǒ xīn lǐng yù - explore new fields).
As an HSK 6 word, 探索 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to research and discovery. Focus on using it in sentences that express curiosity or the process of investigation, tying it to words like 发现 (fā xiàn - discover) and 研究 (yán jiū - research).
The concept of exploration is significant in Chinese history, especially in the context of maritime exploration during the Ming Dynasty with figures like Zheng He. This reflects a long-standing value placed on discovery and understanding of the world.
Learners often confuse 探索 with the word 查找 (chá zhǎo), which means to search for something specific. For instance, saying '我想查找未知' (Wǒ xiǎng chá zhǎo wèi zhī - I want to search for the unknown) should instead use 探索: '我想探索未知' (Wǒ xiǎng tàn suǒ wèi zhī).
Pronunciation of 探索
Drill the tone of 探索 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
Write 探索
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 探索 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 探索
探索 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 2 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
我们以开放的心态开始了这次____之旅。
We set out on this voyage of exploration with an open mind.
Example Sentences for 探索 (6)
Cultural Notes for 探索
The concept of exploration is significant in Chinese history, especially in the context of maritime exploration during the Ming Dynasty with figures like Zheng He. This reflects a long-standing value placed on discovery and understanding of the world.
In Western cultures, 'exploration' often emphasizes adventure and personal discovery, whereas in Chinese culture, it can also include a collective or historical aspect tied to the nation's identity.
Frequently Asked Questions about 探索
For example, you might say: 我们需要探索新的可能性 (Wǒmen xūyào tàn suǒ xīn de kěnéng xìng - We need to explore new possibilities).