taam3 pun2探盤探盘
Definition
To test the waters; to make preliminary inquiries or sound someone out.
How it's used
Originally a term from the real estate industry referring to checking out property listings or market conditions, it has evolved into a common metaphor for gauging someone's attitude or testing the feasibility of a plan. It implies a cautious, low-stakes approach before committing to a major decision or negotiation. It is frequently used in business or social contexts where you want to avoid direct confrontation or rejection.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 探路, which specifically means to scout a path or explore a new environment. 探盤 focuses on gathering information about a specific deal, price, or person's stance, whereas 探路 is broader and more about physical or strategic navigation.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
