探検する
tanken suru
To explore in Japanese is 探検する (tanken suru).
探検する is used for physical exploration of unknown or dangerous territories, such as jungles, caves or uncharted lands.
Meaning: to travel somewhere in search of discovery (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun 探検 (tanken) means 'exploration' or 'expedition', and adding する (suru) turns it into the verb 'to explore'.
How do you pronounce it?
tanken suru
Did you know?
- If you are 'exploring' a city by walking around aimlessly to see what is there, you would use the phrase 散策する (sansaku suru). Using 探検する (tanken suru) in this context would make your casual walk sound like a high-stakes expedition into enemy territory.
- The kanji 探 used in 探検する is also the first character in 探偵 (tantei), the word for 'detective'.
- While 探検する is for wild frontiers, Japanese uses a completely different word, 探索する (tansaku suru), for exploring a building, a website or a digital space.
Examples in context
- 明日、新しい地域を探検します。Tomorrow, I will explore a new area.
- 今度の休みに友達と山を探索しよう。Let's explore the mountains with friends on our next day off.
- 新しい島を探検する。Atarashii shima o tanken suru.To explore a new island.
- 未開の地をさっそく探検する。Mikai no chi o sassoku tanken suru.To explore an uncharted land right away.
