buscar
/busˈkaɾ/
The Spanish verb for to search (or to look thoroughly for) is buscar. Wiktionary also lists sondear buscando.
Meaning: (followed by "for") to look thoroughly (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| buscar | /busˈkaɾ/ |
| sondear buscando | /sondeaɾ buskando/ (from spelling rules) |
buscar is used when you are performing the action of looking for or searching for something. While buscar describes the act of searching, the verb encontrar is used to express the act of actually finding the object.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
buscar is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. In the past tense, the first-person singular preterite form is busqué (I searched).
How do you pronounce it?
/busˈkaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add the preposition a after buscar when searching for an object. Because buscar is a transitive verb, you should not say buscar a algo. Instead, simply use the object directly.
Did you know?
- The phrase buscar la quinta pata al gato literally means 'to look for the fifth leg of the cat' and is used to describe someone overcomplicating a simple situation.
- The verb buscar may be a cognate of the Welsh word budd or the Old Irish búaid, both of which mean 'gain' or 'victory'.
- In some contexts, buscar can mean 'to fetch'. If someone says busco el pan, they might be saying they are going to the store to get bread.
Examples in context
- Fuimos a buscar oro.We went in search of gold.This sentence shows the use of buscar in the context of looking for gold.Tatoeba #7816208 by arh, translation #7815375 by CK
- Tengo que buscar mi bolígrafo.I need to search for my pen.This sentence demonstrates using buscar to mean searching for a specific object like a pen.Tatoeba #1321942 by Shishir, translation #1148932 by CK
- Él vino a New York para buscar trabajo.He came to New York in search of work.This sentence illustrates using buscar to describe searching for work.Tatoeba #917675 by Shishir, translation #10003045 by Nylez
- Tengo que realizar una búsqueda exhaustiva en la biblioteca.I have to conduct an exhaustive search in the library.
- El detective comenzó la búsqueda de evidencias en la escena del crimen.The detective started the search for evidence at the crime scene.
- El equipo de seguridad está llevando a cabo una investigación exhaustiva.The security team is conducting a thorough search.
- Nos encontramos en la fase de investigación de mercado para nuestro nuevo producto.We are in the market research phase for our new product.
- Estoy buscando las llaves de mi auto.I am searching for my car keys.
- Voy a buscar información sobre ese tema en Internet.I'm going to search for information about that topic online.
- Estoy tratando de rastrear la ubicación del paquete que no ha llegado.I'm trying to track the location of the package that hasn't arrived.
- Vamos a rastrear su teléfono para encontrar su paradero.We're going to trace his phone to find his whereabouts.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are in the living room looking for a lost key.
- SofíaDebemos buscar las llaves rápido.We must search for the keys quickly.
- MateoYo voy a buscar debajo del sofá.I am going to search under the sofa.
- Sofía¿Encontraste algo al buscar?Did you find something while searching?
- MateoNo, no las encuentro por ningún lado.No, I can't find them anywhere.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “search” translations and entries buscar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buscar, sondear, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
