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探测 (tàn cè) — to probe; to survey (especially for scientific or exploratory purposes)

Definition

探测 is to probe or survey physically — using instruments to sense a remote or hidden target (space, seabed, minerals). More concrete and equipment-driven than 探索 (broader 'explore' of ideas or frontiers).

verb
to probeto survey (especially for scientific or exploratory purposes)

Examples

  • 探测。
    Kē xué jiā yòng wèi xīng tàn cè yuè qiú biǎo miàn de kuàng wù chéng fèn.
    Scientists use satellites to probe the mineral composition of the lunar surface.
  • 探测。
    Tā men shǐ yòng tè shū shè bèi tàn cè shēn hǎi zhōng de wèi zhī shēng wù.
    They use special equipment to survey unknown organisms in the deep sea.
  • 探测，。
    Zhè piàn qū yù hái méi yǒu bèi tàn cè guò, xū yào jìn yí bù yán jiū.
    This area has not been surveyed yet and requires further research.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

探tànprobe
测cèmeasure

探 means to probe and 测 means to measure, so together they describe scientific probing or surveying.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
扌Written in full as手shǒuhand
Sound part声符shēngfú
𥥍
𥥍𥥍探tàn
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

In 探, the 扌 part is a hand, and 𥥍 gives the sound.

Open 探 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 測; 测 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
氵Written in full as水shuǐwater
Sound part声符shēngfú
則
則zé測cè
Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 測 combines 氵 (water) with 則 for the sound; it is explained as measuring the depth of water. The simplified 测 is a later shorthand.

Open 测 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9HSK 2.0 Level 6Science (General)

Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.