Inklingo

How to Say "quest" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “quest” is “búsqueda” — use 'búsqueda' for a general, often official, search for something or someone, similar to 'search' or 'pursuit'.

English → Spanish

búsqueda

nounA2
Use 'búsqueda' for a general, often official, search for something or someone, similar to 'search' or 'pursuit'.

Examples

La policía organizó una búsqueda del niño desaparecido.

The police organized a search for the missing child.

busca

BOOS-kahˈbuska

nounB1
Use 'busca' for a more active or urgent search, often implying a determined effort to find something or someone.
A small stylized hiker wearing a backpack stands on a grassy hill, holding a rolled-up map and gazing across a colorful valley towards a distant, shining mountain peak, symbolizing a quest.

Examples

Están en la busca de un tesoro.

They are on the hunt for a treasure.

La policía organizó una busca para encontrar al niño perdido.

The police organized a search to find the lost child.

Partieron en busca de oro y fortuna.

They set off in search of gold and fortune.

misión

nounA2
Choose 'misión' when the 'quest' involves a specific, assigned purpose or goal, often with a sense of duty.

Examples

Mi misión es ayudar a los demás.

My mission is to help others.

aventura

ah-ben-TOO-raha.βenˈtu.ɾa

nounA1
Use 'aventura' when the 'quest' is an exciting or unusual experience, often involving travel or exploration.
A small figure wearing a backpack stands on a high, colorful mountain peak, gazing at the scenic landscape below.

Examples

Viajar por Sudamérica fue la aventura de mi vida.

Traveling through South America was the adventure of my life.

¿Quieres venir a esta aventura con nosotros?

Do you want to come on this adventure with us?

La película trata de una aventura espacial.

The movie is about a space adventure.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'aventura' ends in '-a', which is common for feminine nouns, you must always use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' with it.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “El aventura (Incorrect)”

Correction: La aventura (Correct). Remember 'aventura' is always feminine.

cruzada

kroo-SAH-dahkɾuˈsaða

nounB2formal
Opt for 'cruzada' when the 'quest' is a campaign or crusade against something negative, like injustice or corruption.
A group of people standing together holding colorful banners and flags in a peaceful march.

Examples

El gobierno ha iniciado una cruzada contra la corrupción.

The government has started a crusade against corruption.

Los caballeros partieron hacia la primera cruzada en el siglo XI.

The knights left for the first crusade in the 11th century.

Su vida es una cruzada constante por los derechos de los animales.

Her life is a constant quest for animal rights.

Using 'Cruzada' with 'Contra'

Just like in English, when this word means a 'campaign,' it is almost always followed by the word 'contra' (against) to show what you are fighting.

The Feminine Noun

This word is always feminine when used as a noun. You should always use feminine words with it, like 'una cruzada' or 'la cruzada'.

Don't use for the physical object

Mistake: “Vi una cruzada en la pared de la iglesia.”

Correction: Vi una cruz en la pared de la iglesia. Use 'cruz' for the physical cross object; 'cruzada' is only for the movement or campaign.

Búsqueda vs. Busca

Learners often confuse 'búsqueda' and 'busca'. While both mean 'search', 'búsqueda' is more general and often used in official contexts like police searches. 'Busca' implies a more active, sometimes urgent, pursuit. Think of 'búsqueda' as 'search operation' and 'busca' as 'the hunt'.

Related Translations

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