busque
“busque” means “look for” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
look for, search
Also: seek
📝 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)
seek, aim for
Also: court
📝 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)
🔄 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
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the late Latin verb *buscare*, which is believed to have originally meant 'to look for wood or resources in the woods' (bosque). The meaning evolved to simply 'to search' for anything.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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...).