chercher
/ʃɛʁ.ʃe/
To seek in French is chercher.
The verb chercher is used to express the act of trying to find something or someone. It can also mean to attempt or try to do something when used with a specific prepositional construction.
Meaning: to try to find (verb)
Which one should you use?
While chercher is the standard verb for seeking or looking for something, the noun form of the act of seeking or researching is la recherche.
How does it change in a sentence?
chercher is a regular -er verb. When you use the verb to mean 'to seek to' or 'to try to' do something, it must be followed by the preposition à and an infinitive.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃɛʁ.ʃe/ (two syllables)
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add the preposition pour after chercher when they mean 'to look for' something. However, chercher is a direct transitive verb and does not require it.
Did you know?
- The phrase chercher la petite bête literally means 'to seek the little beast'. It is an idiom used to describe someone who is being overly pedantic or looking for a tiny, insignificant flaw.
- In a confrontational or slang context, the phrase Tu cherches! is used as a warning to tell someone they are 'looking for trouble'.
- The word chercher is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'circus'. It descends from the Latin 'circāre', which meant 'to go around' or 'to move in a circle'.
Examples in context
- Il décida de chercher des informations autre part.He decided to seek information elsewhere.This sentence shows how to use chercher to mean seeking information.Tatoeba #332405 by TRANG, translation #292715 by CM
- Je sais de source sûre que le président ne va pas chercher à se faire réélire.I have it on good authority that the president will not seek reelection.This sentence shows the use of chercher in the context of seeking a position or goal.Tatoeba #1800926 by sacredceltic, translation #1776836 by darinmex
- Si tu vis pour chercher vengeance, il est préférable de creuser une tombe pour deux.If you live to seek revenge, better dig a grave for two.This sentence demonstrates the use of chercher when one is seeking something like revenge.Tatoeba #1723093 by sacredceltic, translation #1722514 by AlanF_US
- Je cherche un emploi.I am seeking employment.
- Nous recherchons des solutions.We seek solutions.
- Je sollicite votre soutien.I seek your support.
- Je cherche des informations pour mon nouvel ordinateur.I'm seeking information for my new computer.
- Je vais à la recherche de nouvelles opportunités.I am seeking new opportunities.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are looking for a lost set of keys.
- NathanOù est-ce que je dois chercher les clés ?Where should I look for the keys?
- EmmaChercher dans le salon, s'il te plaît.Look in the living room, please.
- NathanJe ne les trouve pas ici.I can't find them here.
- EmmaJe vais chercher avec toi.I will look with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “seek” translations and entries chercher, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chercher, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
