试探 shìtan to sound out
to sound out; to probe; to feel out; to try out
How to remember 试探: 试 try + 探 to find = to sound out.
Characters
How it is used
- To sound out / probe someone's intentions or reactions - 试探他的口风 (shìtàn tā de kǒufēng) to feel out what he really thinks.
- Note the neutral tone 探 (shìtan). Implies cautious, indirect testing before committing.
- Contrast 探索 (tànsuǒ, to explore intellectually): 试探 is about gauging a person or situation, often subtly.
Example sentences
- 汤姆在试探我。 Tāngmǔ zài shìtàn wǒ.Tom is testing me.