grope, search, look for

About this kanji

The kanji 探 means 'to search' or 'to look for.' It is often used as a verb, highlighting actions of seeking or investigating. For example, 探る (さぐる) means 'to feel around for,' which conveys the idea of searching tactically. Another common compound is 探求 (たんきゅう), meaning 'search' or 'inquiry,' often used in academic or deep exploratory contexts. 探究 (たんきゅう) also refers to 'research,' typically in the context of studying thoroughly. A useful note is that while this kanji focuses on searching, it can also carry a sense of curiosity and probing deeper into a subject.

Example sentences

• 未知の世界を探す。

  I will explore the unknown world.

Meanings across languages

English

grope, search, look for

Tiếng Việt

sờ soạn, tìm kiếm, tìm

日本語

探る, 検索する, 探す

한국어

더듬다, 찾다, 검색하다

中文

搜索, 寻找, 查找

id

meraba, mencari, mencari

th

คลำ, ค้นหา, มองหา

es

toquetear, buscar, buscar

fr

tâtonner, chercher, rechercher

de

tasten, suchen, sich umsehen

pt

apalpar, buscar, procurar

Common compounds

• 探るさぐるto feel around for, to fumble for, to grope for
• 探求たんきゅうsearch, quest, pursuit
• 探究たんきゅうresearch, investigation, enquiry
• 探査たんさprobe, inquiry, enquiry
• 探偵たんていdetective, investigator, sleuth
• 探すさがすto search for, to look for, to hunt for
• 探検たんけんexploration, expedition
• 手探りてさぐりfumbling, groping