taam3 zi1探知
Jyutpingtaam3 zi1
Yaletaam jī
Definition
To ascertain, detect, or find out through investigation.
neutraldaily actionscommunication
How it's used
探知 carries a slightly formal or investigative tone compared to everyday verbs like 搵 or 查. It is often used in contexts involving intelligence gathering, uncovering secrets, or professional detection. While it can be used in casual conversation, it sounds more deliberate and focused than simply asking around.
Examples
The police finally detected the suspect's whereabouts.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 探訪, which means to visit someone. Ensure you do not use 探知 when you simply mean to pay a social call to a friend or relative.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
