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buscar means to look for / to search — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 2, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

buscar

verb • /[boos-KAR]/

to look for / to search

Example:

Voy a buscar mi pasaporte ahora mismo.

I'm going to look for my passport right now.

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🧠 What does buscar mean?

The Spanish verb "buscar" means "to look for" or "to search" something or someone. It implies actively trying to find something that is lost, needed, or desired. You can use it for physical objects, information, people, or even abstract concepts like solutions or opportunities.

📚 Extra examples

  • Estoy buscando mis llaves.
    I'm looking for my keys.
  • Ella busca trabajo en Madrid.
    She's looking for a job in Madrid.
  • Buscamos la mejor solución.
    We are looking for the best solution.
  • Están buscando información sobre la historia de España.
    They are looking for information about the history of Spain.
  • Busco a mi amigo.
    I'm looking for my friend.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to look for / to search' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'to look for' or 'to search' in Spanish is "buscar".
How do you pronounce 'buscar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced "boos-CAR", with the stress on the second syllable.
How do you use 'buscar' in a sentence?
You can use "buscar" followed by a noun or pronoun representing the person or thing you are looking for. For example, "Busco un libro" (I'm looking for a book) or "Te estoy buscando" (I'm looking for you).
What is the English translation of 'buscar'?
The English translation of 'buscar' is 'to look for' or 'to search'.
Does 'buscar' change for gender or number?
No, "buscar" itself doesn't change for gender or number. However, like all verbs, it conjugates depending on the subject and tense.
Is 'buscar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, "buscar" is a very common verb in everyday Spanish conversation.
Does 'buscar' have slang or double meanings?
While "buscar" is generally straightforward, in some contexts it can take on the meaning of "to pick a fight" or "to cause trouble." For example, "Estás buscando problemas" (You're looking for trouble).
Is 'buscar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of "buscar" are largely consistent across Spain and Latin America.
How do you conjugate 'buscar' in Spanish?
Here are the present tense conjugations: Yo busco Tú buscas Él/Ella/Usted busca Nosotros/Nosotras buscamos Vosotros/Vosotras buscáis Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes buscan

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "buscar"

Synonyms: indagar, averiguar, explorar
Opposites: encontrar, hallar

💡 Did You Know?

The word "buscar" comes from the Vulgar Latin word "buscāre," which itself comes from the Gothic word "būskan." It's related to the English word "bush," originally meaning "to beat around the bush" while hunting.

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