探索 (tànsuǒ)

探索 means to explore or probe into the unknown, involving active investigation and discovery, used for both physical exploration and intellectual inquiry.

Meanings

[verb] to explore; to investigate; to probe; to search for answers

Example Sentences

科学家们一直在探索宇宙的奥秘。 Kēxuéjiāmen yīzhí zài tànsuǒ yǔzhòu de àomì. Scientists have been exploring the mysteries of the universe.

她喜欢探索不同的文化和生活方式。 Tā xǐhuān tànsuǒ bùtóng de wénhuà hé shēnghuó fāngshì. She enjoys exploring different cultures and ways of life.

公司在探索新的商业模式。 Gōngsī zài tànsuǒ xīn de shāngyè móshì. The company is exploring new business models.

孩子们天生喜欢探索周围的世界。 Háizimen tiānshēng xǐhuān tànsuǒ zhōuwéi de shìjiè. Children are naturally inclined to explore the world around them.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
探索未知	to explore the unknown
积极探索	to actively explore
探索规律	to probe for patterns
勇于探索	to dare to explore

Usage Notes

探索 suggests venturing into new or unknown territory with purpose and curiosity. It is used for both literal exploration (space, nature) and figurative investigation (ideas, methods, markets). It has a positive, adventurous connotation and is often used to encourage innovation and curiosity.

Memory Hook

探 means "to probe/feel out" and 索 means "to search/rope." Imagine sending out a rope to probe an unknown cave: 探索 is to reach out and search into the unknown.