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March 24, 2026
探索tànsuǒ(tan4suo3)
探索 means to explore or probe, often used in contexts related to investigation, discovery, or research. It implies a sense of curiosity and a desire to uncover unknown information, whether in physical spaces, ideas, or concepts.
Frequency#5439DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
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.
Memory Tip
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.
Meanings of 探索
tànsuǒ(tan4suo3)
1to explore
2to probe
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 探索
探索Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5439Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 探索
Podcast: 探索
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AI Study Notes for 探索
Quick Contrast
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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
Usage Notes
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).
HSK Study Tips
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).
Cultural Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 探索
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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.
Exercise 1 of 4
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)
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1
我们以开放的心态开始了这次探索之旅。
wǒ mén yǐ kāi fàng de xīn tài kāi shǐ le zhè cì tàn suǒ zhī lǚ。
We set out on this voyage of exploration with an open mind.
Explorer One went into a higher orbit than either Sputnik.
5
超高效的粒子加速器将于80年代投入夸克探索的工作之中.
chāo gāo xiào de lì zǐ jiā sù qì jiāng yú80 80 nián dài tóu rù kuā kè tàn suǒ de gōng zuò zhī.
Superpotent atom smashers will undertake the quark quest in the 1980 s.
6
目的: 探索消石利胆丸中黄芩苷的定量方法.
mù de: : tàn suǒ xiāo shí lì dǎn wán zhōng huáng qín gān de dìng liáng fāng.
Objective : To explore the quantitative method for Baicalin in Xiaoshilidan Pills.
Cultural Notes for 探索
🏮Cultural insight
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.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
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).
探索 is generally considered informal and is commonly used in everyday conversation, unlike the more formal 研究.
Yes, 探索 can be used to refer to exploring abstract concepts or ideas, not just physical spaces.
