Don't Add 'por' or 'para'

When 'buscar' needs an 'e' after the 'c', the 'c' changes to 'qu' to keep the hard 'k' sound. See this in 'yo busqué' (I looked for) and 'que yo busque' (a special form for wishes).

Spelling Change Alert!

When you're looking for a person or a pet, remember to add 'a' before their name or title. For example, 'Busco a mi perro' (I'm looking for my dog), but 'Busco mi teléfono' (I'm looking for my phone).

Use the Personal 'a'

Extremely common. This is one of the very first verbs you'll learn and use daily.

You'll know 'buscar' means 'to pick up' or 'to get' when it's about going somewhere to retrieve something or someone. Look for other verbs like 'ir a' (to go to) or 'venir a' (to come to) right before it.

Context is Key

Very common in daily life for talking about errands and collecting people.

For this meaning, you'll often see 'buscar' with 'se' attached, like 'se lo buscó'. This emphasizes that the person brought the trouble upon themselves.

Often Used Reflexively: 'buscarse'

A common figurative use, especially in informal conversations or as a warning.

Learn how to use the Spanish verb 'buscar' to say 'to look for,' 'to pick up,' and 'to look for trouble.' Complete conjugation charts, examples, and common mistakes.

buscar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations