busque
/BOO-skeh/
look for
When you busque (look for) your lost keys, you are searching for a physical item.
busque(Verb)
look for
?search for a physical item
,search
?conduct a search
seek
?formal/literary searching
📝 In Action
Espero que yo busque mi llave en el bolso.
A2I hope that I look for my key in the bag. (Uses 'yo busque'—Present Subjunctive)
Señor López, ¡busque la información en internet!
A1Mr. Lopez, look for the information on the internet! (Uses 'usted busque'—Formal Command)
Ella necesita que su hermano busque el recibo.
B1She needs her brother to look for the receipt. (Uses 'él/ella busque'—Present Subjunctive)
💡 Grammar Points
The C-to-QU Rule
The verb 'buscar' ends in -car. To keep the hard 'k' sound when followed by 'e' (as in 'busque'), the 'c' changes to 'qu'. This happens in the special forms used for commands, wishes, and doubts.
Using 'Busque' as a Command
'Busque' is the polite, formal command form for 'usted' (you). Use it when addressing someone formally, like a boss or a stranger.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Spelling Change
Mistake: "Busce (instead of busque)"
Correction: The spelling must change to 'qu' before 'e' (busque) to make sure the 'c' doesn't sound like an 's' or 'th' sound.
⭐ Usage Tips
Always look FOR something
Unlike English ('look for'), the Spanish verb 'buscar' already includes the idea of 'for.' You do not need to add the preposition 'por' or 'para' after it.
When you busque (seek) knowledge or happiness, you are pursuing an abstract idea or goal.
busque(Verb)
seek
?pursue a goal or abstract idea
,aim for
?try to achieve
court
?seek favor or attention
📝 In Action
El presidente pide que el país busque la paz.
B2The president asks that the country seek peace. (Uses 'país busque'—Present Subjunctive)
Busque siempre la excelencia en su trabajo.
B1Always seek excellence in your work. (Uses 'usted busque'—Formal Command)
Dudo que busque problemas con sus vecinos.
B1I doubt that he looks for trouble with his neighbors. (Uses 'él busque'—Present Subjunctive)
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive Trigger
When 'busque' follows verbs of desire, necessity, or doubt (like 'pedir,' 'necesitar,' or 'dudar'), it shows that the action of searching is uncertain or dependent on someone else.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Tone
Using 'busque' as a command (Usted busque) automatically adds a level of respect and distance, making it perfect for advice or instructions in a formal setting.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: busque
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences correctly uses 'busque' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'busque' and 'buscó'?
'Busque' (with a 'u') is used for wishes, doubts, or formal commands (Present Subjunctive/Imperative). 'Buscó' (with an accent on the 'o') is the Past Tense (Preterite) form, meaning 'he/she/it looked for' in a completed action.
When should I use 'busque' and not 'busca'?
Use 'busque' when you are giving a polite, formal command ('Usted busque...') or when the action is uncertain, desired, or required by someone else (e.g., 'Quiero que él busque...' — I want him to look for...). Use 'busca' when stating a simple fact ('Él busca...' — He looks for...).