タン, さぐ.る, さが.す

grope, search, look for

JLPT3 G6 S11 F930

The relevant seal inscription form is hole + an element combining hand/action indicator and , here an abbreviated form of (consuming blaze) → poke at a fire in penetrating the deep recesses of the hole where it burns. A later form added hand/action indicator (for emphasis/clarification) → search for an object by penetrating a deep recess and groping/fumbling for it → *fumble/feel about for*; *search/look for*; *probe* → *explore*. The right-hand element# of the present form replaces the hand and fire elements with .

[Full Kanji Etymology List]