探求真意

tàn qiú zhēn yì
seek the true meaning

他努力探求真意,而不是停留在表面。

He strives to seek the true meaning rather than staying on the surface.


formal

To actively search for the fundamental or underlying meaning of something.

科学家探求真意,超越表象的实验数据。

Scientists seek the true meaning beyond superficial experimental data.

这部电影探求人性的真意,引发观众深思。

This film explores the true meaning of human nature, prompting deep reflection.

Often used in academic, philosophical, or artistic contexts to emphasize depth of inquiry.

Collocations

探求真意的过程the process of seeking the true meaning探求真意的精神the spirit of seeking the true meaning

Related Phrases

探本溯源phrase
trace back to the origin
抽丝剥茧metaphor
to meticulously uncover the truth

Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use '探求真意' when emphasizing a deliberate, in-depth search for core truths—e.g., in philosophy, science, or art. Avoid using it for superficial questions.

Gold Rule

Word Order

The phrase follows a verb-object structure: '探求' (to seek) + '真意' (true meaning). The object '真意' cannot be omitted.

Word Origin

探求 (tàn qiú) combines '探' (to explore/investigate) and '求' (to seek), while '真意' (zhēn yì) means 'true meaning'. The phrase emerged in classical Chinese literature to describe deep intellectual or spiritual inquiry.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in written Chinese (e.g., essays, critiques) to describe thorough investigation. Rarely used in casual speech.

Word Breakdown

探求
to seek/explore
verb phrase
+
真意
true meaning
noun phrase
汉英词典