si3 taam3試探试探

Jyutpingsi3 taam3

Yalesi taam

動詞Common

Definition

To probe, sound out, or test someone in order to gauge their reaction and gather information.

colloquialcommunicationpeople

How it's used

Implies a cautious, indirect approach to gathering information rather than asking directly. It often carries a sense of strategic maneuvering, especially when trying to gauge someone's reaction without revealing your own cards too early. It is frequently used in social or professional contexts where maintaining a certain level of ambiguity is preferred.

Examples

nei5你m4唔hou2好si3試taam3探keoi5佢dai2底sin3線，keoi5佢wui2會faat3發fo2火㗎。

Don't test his bottom line, he will get angry.

Common phrases

si3試taam3探hau2口fung1風

to sound out someone's opinion

si3試taam3探dai2底sin3線

to test someone's limits

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 測試, which is used for testing the functionality of a product or a technical system. 試探 is strictly for interpersonal dynamics or probing someone's thoughts and intentions.