How to Say "To Find" in Japanese

見つける

mitsukeru

To find in Japanese is 見つける (mitsukeru).

見つける is used for discovering something through an active search or effort, rather than just stumbling upon it by chance.

What does it mean word for word?

The verb is composed of the kanji 見 (to see) and 付ける (to attach/fix), literally meaning to 'fix one's sight upon' something found.

While 見つける is a transitive verb (to find something), 見つかる is an intransitive verb (something is found/discovered).

The potential form 見つけられる (mitsukerareru) is used to express the ability to find something.

mitsukeru

The kanji 見 used in 見つける is also the root for the word 'opinion' 意見 (iken), literally meaning 'the result of seeing' or 'viewing' a matter.
While 見つける implies an active search, Japanese uses the verb 見つかる to describe being 'caught' or 'discovered' when you were trying to hide, such as during a game of hide and seek.
To say something is 'lost' in Japanese, speakers often use the negative form of 'to be found', 見つからない (mitsukaranai), which literally translates to 'it does not get found'.

トムを見つける必要がある。
I just need to find Tom.
This sentence shows how to use 見つける to express a necessity.
Tatoeba #2138443 by bunbuku, translation #1887442 by CK
本、見つけることができた？
Were you able to find the book?
This sentence uses 見つける to ask about a completed ability to find something.
Tatoeba #8734514 by small_snow, translation #543081 by CM
答えを見つけるのは不可能だった。
It was impossible to find an answer.
This sentence uses 見つける to describe the impossibility of finding an answer.
Tatoeba #123933 by bunbuku, translation #280062 by jakov
田中さんは新しいアパートを見つけました。
Mr. Tanaka found a new apartment.
私は大学図書館で本を探しています。
I am looking for a book at the university library.
昨日、可愛いカフェを見つけちゃったんだ。
I found this adorable café yesterday!
32 more sentences on Tatoeba

Hiroto and Himari are looking for a lost key at home.

大翔 Hiroto

鍵が見当たらないんだけど。
Kagi ga miataranai ndakedo.
I can't seem to find the key.
陽葵 Himari

一緒に見つけるよ。
Isshoni mitsukeru yo.
I'll help you find it.
大翔 Hiroto

あ、テーブルの下にあった！
A, teburu no shita ni atta!
Oh, it was under the table!
陽葵 Himari

すぐに見つけられてよかったね。
Sugu ni mitsukerarete yokatta ne.
I'm glad you found it so quickly.

Sources

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