探

JLPT N3

Readings

On’yomi: タン (tan)

Kun’yomi: さが(す), さぐ(る) (saga(su), saga(ru))

• さが(す) – to search for, to look for • さぐ(る) – to explore, to probe, to feel out

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

探す

さがす

探検

たんけん

exploration

探索

たんさく

捜査

そうさ

investigation

探し物

さがしもの

lost item

Example Sentences

鍵を探します。

かぎをさがします。

I look for the key.

探検します。

たんけんします。

I explore.

原因を探索します。

げんいんをたんさくします。

I search for the cause.

警察が捜査します。

けいさつがそうさします。

The police investigate.

探し物です。

さがしものです。

It is a lost item.

Cultural Note

🕵️ In Japanese, 探 is used both literally (searching for objects) and figuratively (searching for truth, feelings, or meaning).
• 探偵 (detective stories) are a beloved genre in Japanese literature and anime.
• “自分を探す” (じぶんをさがす) means to find oneself — a common expression in personal growth or reflection.