Estoy buscando
/estoi buskando/from spelling rules
Estoy buscando is the Spanish way to say "I am looking for".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Estoy (I am) and buscando (the gerund of buscar, meaning searching or looking for).
Which one should you use?
The phrase Estoy buscando emphasizes that you are in the middle of the action right now. In many contexts, you can also use the simple form Busco to mean both "I look for" and "I am looking for".
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are looking for a specific person or a pet, you must place the preposition a before the object of your search.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying busco por. English speakers often try to translate the word "for" literally, but the verb buscar already includes the meaning of "looking for" on its own.
Did you know?
- In some Latin American regions, buscar can be used as a euphemism for 'to pick up' someone in a car or to go get them from a location.
- The phrase buscarle la vuelta is used when someone is looking for a creative way to solve a problem or a loophole in a rule.
- While buscar is a common everyday verb, the noun form busca is specifically associated with police manhunts and legal search warrants.
Examples in context
- Estoy buscando a John.I am looking for John.This sentence shows how to use Estoy buscando when searching for a person.Tatoeba #13605215 by Seael, translation #3120159 by harshnisar
- Estoy buscando a mi gato.I am looking for my cat.This sentence demonstrates the use of the personal a when looking for a pet.Tatoeba #10629222 by Shishir, translation #10629320 by Adelpa
- Estoy buscando mis lentes.I am looking for my glasses.This sentence shows how to use Estoy buscando when searching for an object.Tatoeba #1254634 by marcelostockle, translation #31838 by CC
- Estoy buscando un restauranteI am looking for a restaurant
- Ando en busca de trabajoI am looking for a job
- Estoy a la búsqueda de informaciónI am looking for information
- Estoy buscando una peluqueríaI am looking for a hair salon
- Ando en busca de nuevas cancionesI am looking for new songs
- Ando en busca de un abogado especializado en derechos laborales.I am looking for a lawyer specialized in labor rights.
- Estoy a la búsqueda de información científica para mi investigación.I am looking for scientific information for my research.
- Estoy buscando un nuevo peinado para el verano.I am looking for a new hairstyle for the summer.
- Ando en busca de un regalo de cumpleaños para mi hermana.I am looking for a birthday present for my sister.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is in a bookstore looking for a specific book.
- AlejandroHola, estoy buscando un libro de cocina.Hello, I am looking for a cookbook.
- ElenaClaro, ¿en qué sección lo busca?Of course, in which section are you looking for it?
- AlejandroNo sé, por eso estoy buscando ayuda.I don't know, that's why I am looking for help.
- ElenaVenga conmigo, Alejandro, yo le ayudo.Come with me, Alejandro, I will help you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
