to find, to locate

JLPT N2 11 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (tàn)

The character primarily means "to search," "to explore," or "to investigate." It often implies an active effort to find something hidden or unknown.

Common Contexts

  • Physical searching or exploring, such as 探险 (explore/adventure) or 口袋 (search a pocket).
  • Investigative contexts, like (investigate) or (spy or listen in).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 探险 (tànxiǎn): to explore, go on an adventure.
  • (tànchá): to investigate, to probe.
  • 探望 (tànwàng): to visit someone.
  • (yòng shǒu tàn): to feel or search with hands.

Nuances

Using often conveys a deliberate and sometimes cautious search, not just casual looking. It can be physical or metaphorical (e.g., exploring ideas or investigating facts).

Common Confusion

Don't confuse with (zhǎo), which means "to look for" but is more general and less about probing or exploring deeply. suggests a more thorough or investigative action.

Example Sentences

He is exploring the forest, looking for rare plants.

The police are investigating the truth of this case.

He reached into his pocket and found the keys were missing.