Inklingo

How to Say "let's find" in Spanish

English → Spanish

busquemos

/boos-KEH-mohs//busˈkemos/

verbA2general
Use 'busquemos' when you are actively setting a goal to locate or search for something, often implying a proactive search.
A group of three friends in a park, one looking through binoculars and others searching through tall grass together.

Examples

Busquemos un buen restaurante para cenar.

Let's look for a good restaurant for dinner.

Busquemos las llaves en la cocina.

Let's look for the keys in the kitchen.

Making Suggestions

Use this form when you want to suggest an action to a group you are part of, similar to saying 'Let's...' in English.

The Spelling Swap

The 'c' in the base word 'buscar' changes to 'qu' here to make sure the word still has a hard 'k' sound.

Buscamos vs. Busquemos

Mistake: “Using 'buscamos' to say 'let's look for'.”

Correction: Say 'busquemos' for suggestions. 'Buscamos' simply means 'we are currently looking'.

encontremos

/en-kon-TRAY-mos//eŋ.konˈtɾe.mos/

verbB1general
Use 'encontremos' when expressing a hope or a suggestion for a future outcome, often in the subjunctive mood, implying a discovery rather than a search.
Two smiling children looking excited as they simultaneously uncover a small, glittering object hidden beneath a large green leaf in a lush, colorful forest.

Examples

Espero que encontremos un buen restaurante cerca de aquí.

I hope that we find a good restaurant near here.

¡Encontremos una manera de terminar esto antes de medianoche!

Let's find a way to finish this before midnight!

No creo que encontremos el camino sin un mapa.

I don't think we will find the way without a map.

Use 1: The 'Let's' Command

When you want to suggest an action that involves the group ('we'), you use 'encontremos.' This is the affirmative command form for nosotros.

Use 2: Expressing Wishes and Uncertainty

'Encontremos' is the special verb form (subjunctive) used after expressions of desire, doubt, or necessity, like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...) or 'No creo que...' (I don't think that...).

Forgetting the Subjunctive

Mistake: “Using the indicative form: 'Espero que encontramos...' (Instead of 'encontremos')”

Correction: When you express hope or doubt about what 'we' are doing, Spanish requires the special subjunctive form: 'Espero que encontremos...'

Stem Change Confusion

Mistake: “Applying the 'o' to 'ue' stem change to this form: 'que encuéntremos' (Incorrect)”

Correction: The *nosotros* form is a rare exception! It keeps the original 'o': 'encontremos' (Correct).

Search vs. Discovery

The most common mistake is confusing the active search implied by 'busquemos' with the potential discovery of 'encontremos'. 'Busquemos' is for when you are actively looking, while 'encontremos' often follows 'espero que' or similar phrases, indicating a desired outcome of finding something.

Related Translations

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