Inklingo

How to Say "look for" in Spanish

The Spanish word forlook foris busqueA1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishA1

busque

VerbA1
search for a physical item
A small child on the floor, lifting a large, brightly colored sofa cushion and peering underneath it, actively searching for a lost toy.

Examples

Espero que yo busque mi llave en el bolso.

I hope that I look for my key in the bag. (Uses 'yo busque'—Present Subjunctive)

Señor López, ¡busque la información en internet!

Mr. Lopez, look for the information on the internet! (Uses 'usted busque'—Formal Command)

Ella necesita que su hermano busque el recibo.

She needs her brother to look for the receipt. (Uses 'él/ella busque'—Present Subjunctive)

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.

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.

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