1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “探” (pronounced “tan”) means “to search” or “to explore.” It conveys the idea of looking for something or investigating a matter in depth.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “探” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines two elements: the radical “手” (meaning “hand”) and “探” (which relates to the concept of searching). The hand symbolizes the action of searching or exploring.
The radical “手” is often associated with actions performed by the hand, emphasizing the physical aspect of searching.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “探” are:
- 探検 (たんけん, “tanken”) – exploration
- 探偵 (たんてい, “tantei”) – detective
- 探す (さがす, “sagasu”) – to search for
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼は新しい仕事を探しています。」(かれはあたらしいしごとをさがしています。) – “He is searching for a new job.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 捜 (そう, “sou”) – to search (often used in the context of searching for lost items or people)
Antonyms include:
- 放置 (ほうち, “houchi”) – to leave alone or neglect
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “探” is often associated with Japanese culture in the context of exploration and discovery, reflecting the value placed on curiosity and investigation.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include “探” are:
- 「探せば見つかる」(さがせばみつかる) – “If you search, you will find.”
This saying emphasizes the importance of persistence in searching for answers or solutions.