Quick answer
探 is the kanji for "Search". Its reading is さぐ.る (saguru). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Search
Also : Grope · Look for
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
11 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 探 represents 'GROPE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of grope.
On-reading: たん — remember this sound by associating it with grope. Kun-reading: さぐ.る.
Example Sentences
仕事を探しています。
しごとをさがしています。
I'm looking for work.
なくし物を探しています。
なくしものをさがしています。
I'm looking for lost items.
Vocabulary using 探
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように~ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする~ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる~ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり~ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ~はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
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