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March 24, 2026
探讨(探討)tàntǎo(tan4tao3)
探讨 (tàn tǎo) means to investigate or probe into a subject deeply. It is commonly used in academic or professional contexts when discussing theories, ideas, or issues that require thorough examination and consideration.
Frequency#11136DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese academic culture, 探讨 is often associated with the rigorous examination of social issues or scientific research, reflecting the value placed on thorough exploration before drawing conclusions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a detective (探) using a magnifying glass (讨) to probe into a mystery. The character 探 has the radical for 'to look' and suggests investigation, while 讨 resembles a hand reaching out for answers, reinforcing the idea of probing.
Meanings of 探讨
tàntǎo(tan4tao3)
1to investigate
2to probe
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 探讨
探讨Simplified
探討Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#11136Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRC1
Podcast: 探讨
Podcast: 探讨
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AI Study Notes for 探讨
Quick Contrast
探究 (tànjiū) — use 探讨 when focusing on discussion and analysis, while 探究 emphasizes the act of inquiry and investigation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a detective (探) using a magnifying glass (讨) to probe into a mystery. The character 探 has the radical for 'to look' and suggests investigation, while 讨 resembles a hand reaching out for answers, reinforcing the idea of probing.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the contexts in which you use 探讨, as it is more formal and academic. Common collocations include 探讨问题 (tàn tǎo wèn tí - to discuss issues) and 探讨观点 (tàn tǎo guān diǎn - to explore viewpoints). Avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler terms might be more appropriate.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 探讨 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to research and analysis, like 研究 (yán jiū - to study) and 讨论 (tǎo lùn - to discuss). Students should focus on using it in context, especially in writing and formal discussions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese academic culture, 探讨 is often associated with the rigorous examination of social issues or scientific research, reflecting the value placed on thorough exploration before drawing conclusions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 探讨 with 讨论 (tǎo lùn), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我们来探讨一下' (Let's discuss a bit) might sound overly formal; 讨论 would be more appropriate in casual situations.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 探讨
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Grammar Patterns of 探讨
探讨 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
很多人给我写信____这个问题。
Many people have written to me on this subject.
Example Sentences for 探讨 (10)
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1
很多人给我写信探讨这个问题。
hěn duō rén gěi wǒ xiě xìn tàn tǎo zhè gè wèn tí。
Many people have written to me on this subject.
2
我写此信是为了回应你那篇探讨科学家薪水的文章。
wǒ xiě cǐ xìn shì wéi le huí yīng nǐ nà piān tàn tǎo kē xué jiā xīn shuǐ de wén zhāng。
I am writing with reference to your article on salaries for scientists.
3
他们让我坐下，然后和我严肃地探讨了有关性的话题。
tā mén ràng wǒ zuò xià， ， rán hòu hé wǒ yán sù dì tàn tǎo le yǒu guān xìng de huà。
They sat me down and had a serious discussion about sex.
4
本章探讨的是经济发展与环境之间的关系。
běn zhāng tàn tǎo de shì jīng jì fā zhǎn yǔ huán jìng zhī jiān de guān xì。
This chapter explores the linkage between economic development and the environment.
5
这本物理学著作探讨了新的课题.
zhè běn wù lǐ xué zhù zuò tàn tǎo le xīn de kè tí.
This physics book breaks fresh ground.
6
他没能在一场技术探讨中坚持自己的立场。
tā méi néng zài yī cháng jì shù tàn tǎo zhōng jiān chí zì jǐ de lì cháng。
He had trouble keeping up his end of a technical discussion.
7
目的探讨滋阴明目 丸 抗氧化及扩血管的作用.
mù de tàn tǎo zī yīn míng mù wán kàng yǎng huà jí kuò xiě guǎn de.
Objective To explore the antioxidation and vasodilator effect of Ziyingmingmu Pill ( ZYMMP ).
8
目的探讨慢性马兜铃酸 肾病 的主要中医证候.
mù de tàn tǎo màn xìng mǎ dōu líng suān shèn bìng de zhǔ yào zhōng yī.
Objective To discuss the main and signs of chronic aristolochine nephropathy ( CAN ) .
9
目的探讨蛤蚧防喘丸对支气管哮喘的治疗作用.
mù de tàn tǎo gé jiè fáng chuǎn wán duì zhī qì guǎn xiào chuǎn de zhì liáo zuò yòng.
Objective : To approach the therapeutic action of Gejie Fangchuan pills in treating Asthma.
10
目的探讨乌梅丸 抗 肝纤维化的作用机理.
mù de tàn tǎo wū méi wán kàng gān xiān wéi huà de zuò yòng.
Objective : To probe the action mechanism of anti - liver fibrosis of Wumei Pill.
Cultural Notes for 探讨
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese academic culture, 探讨 is often associated with the rigorous examination of social issues or scientific research, reflecting the value placed on thorough exploration before drawing conclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 探讨
Typically, 探讨 is used in more formal or academic settings rather than casual conversations.
While both mean to discuss, 探讨 implies a deeper investigation, whereas 讨论 is more general.
Common phrases include 探讨问题 (to discuss issues) and 探讨解决方案 (to explore solutions).
