Definition
探头 is a verb-object separable verb (离合词). Its literal meaning is 'to stretch out one's head' — for example, to peek around a corner. Figuratively, it can mean 'to probe' or 'to snoop' into something. As a v.o. word, it splits when adding aspect, complements, or measure words: 探了一下头 (stretched head once), 探出头来 (stuck head out). Note that the noun meanings 'detector; searching unit' belong to a separate entry; this entry covers only the verb-object use.
v.o.
to stretch out one's head (to look, peek)(figurative) to probeto snoopto poke one's nose into
Examples
- ，。Tā zhàn zài ménkǒu, tàn chū tóu lái kàn le yíxià.He stood at the door, stuck his head out, and took a look.
- 。Bié zǒng shì hàoqí de tàn tóu tàn nǎo.Don't always curiously poke your head around.
- 探头。Bú yào suíbiàn wǎng biérén jiā lǐ tàn tóu.Don't casually stick your head into other people's homes.
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