探 Stroke Order — How to Write 探

Stroke Order

探 is written in 11 strokes, following the standard Chinese stroke order. Start from the radical 扌, then complete the remaining strokes.

Stroke order matters in Chinese: it keeps the character balanced, and it is how dictionaries and handwriting input methods expect a character to be written.

探 Radical and Character Components

Partial breakdown of 探:扌木

hand.

Radical: 扌 + 8 more strokes

探 Pronunciation and Pinyin

tàn

Meanings of 探 in Chinese

tàn探

To seek, explore, investigate, or probe.

科学家们正在探索新的科技发展方向。

Scientists are exploring new directions for technological development.

To inquire about; to find out by asking or investigating.

他想探听一下会议的内容。

He wanted to inquire about the content of the meeting.

A person who performs reconnaissance work, such as a scout or spy.

那位密探在深夜潜入了对方的基地。

That spy infiltrated the opponent's base late at night.

To visit; to call on (e.g., relatives, a patient, or someone in prison).

我计划下个月回老家探亲。

I plan to go back to my hometown to visit my relatives next month.

To stretch out one's head or upper body, or to reach with one's hand into something, often to investigate or observe.

小狗探头探脑地往屋里张望

The little dog peered curiously into the room.

Common Words and Phrases with 探

tàn探àn案

to investigate a case or crime

他从小就对探案故事很感兴趣，梦想成为一名侦探。

He has been very interested in detective stories since childhood, dreaming of becoming a detective.

tàn探cè测

To detect, probe, or survey the existence of something.

科学家正在探测这颗新发现的行星上是否存在生命迹象。

Scientists are detecting for signs of life on this newly discovered planet.

tàn探cè测qì器

A device used to detect the presence of radio waves or radioactivity.

这个太空望远镜配备了先进的红外探测器，能够发现宇宙深处的遥远星系。

This space telescope is equipped with advanced infrared detectors, capable of discovering distant galaxies deep in the universe.

tàn探zhā查

To explore, investigate, or examine closely.

科学家们正在探查深海的未知生物。

Scientists are exploring unknown creatures in the deep sea.

tàn探chá察

To investigate, observe, or scout, often with the purpose of finding out information or surveying an area.

科学家们正在利用先进的设备探察深海生物的活动。

Scientists are using advanced equipment to explore the activities of deep-sea creatures.

tàn探fǎng访

to inquire about; to visit; to seek by inquiry or search

为了完成研究，她深入山区探访当地的民间传说。

To complete her research, she ventured deep into the mountains to inquire about local folklores.

tàn探fēng风

To fish for information or gather intelligence.

他提前到会场探风，了解一下活动的具体安排。

He arrived at the venue early to discreetly gather information and understand the specific arrangements for the event.

tàn探huā花

the scholar who ranked third in the highest imperial examination during the Ming and Qing dynasties

他自幼聪慧过人，最终在殿试中脱颖而出，一举夺得探花之名。

He was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, and in the imperial examination's palace test, he distinguished himself by achieving the title of Tan Hua.

tàn探jiā家

to go home to visit one's family