探测
tàn cè · HSK 7
to explore
📡🔍 探 probe + 测 measure = to probe and take readings; explore
探 means to probe or grope for something; 测 means to measure or survey. Together they cover taking readings of the unknown — a sonar探测 or sensor探测 probes then measures.
探 — hand radical 扌 + 罙 (depth/cave)
探 combines the hand radical 扌 with 罙, which depicts a hand reaching into a cave or deep place. The original sense was reaching in to feel for or retrieve something hidden, which extended to 'probe,' 'search,' and 'explore.' 罙 also hints at the sound.
测 — water radical 氵 + 则 (rule/standard)
测 combines the water radical 氵, hinting at meaning, with 则 (rule, standard), which also supplies the sound. Originally it referred to gauging the depth of water, then broadened to mean measuring, surveying, or testing in general.