Inklingo

How to Say "search" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “search” is “búsqueda” — use this for the general action or process of looking for something or someone, like finding lost items or information online..

búsquedaA2

Use this for the general action or process of looking for something or someone, like finding lost items or information online.

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busque🔊A1

This is the subjunctive form of the verb 'buscar' (to search/look for), used when expressing doubt, desire, or necessity, often after verbs like 'esperar' (to hope) or 'querer' (to want).

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busca🔊B1

Use this when referring to the specific act or an organized effort of searching, often implying a more formal or determined undertaking.

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registro🔊B2

This term specifically refers to an official police search of a place or person, often conducted with a warrant.

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caceríaB2

Employ this word for an intense, often prolonged, search or pursuit, commonly used in contexts like a manhunt or a desperate search for something rare.

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English → Spanish

búsqueda

nounA2
Use this for the general action or process of looking for something or someone, like finding lost items or information online.

Examples

La policía organizó una búsqueda del niño desaparecido.

The police organized a search for the missing child.

busque

/BOO-skeh//ˈbuske/

verbA1
This is the subjunctive form of the verb 'buscar' (to search/look for), used when expressing doubt, desire, or necessity, often after verbs like 'esperar' (to hope) or 'querer' (to want).
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.

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.

busca

/BOOS-kah//ˈbuska/

nounB1formal
Use this when referring to the specific act or an organized effort of searching, often implying a more formal or determined undertaking.
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

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.

registro

reh-HEES-troh/reˈxistɾo/

nounB2formal
This term specifically refers to an official police search of a place or person, often conducted with a warrant.
A hand lifting a patterned blanket to uncover a small wooden box.

Examples

La policía obtuvo una orden para realizar un registro en el apartamento.

The police obtained a warrant to carry out a search of the apartment.

Tuvimos que pasar por un registro de seguridad muy estricto.

We had to go through a very strict security inspection.

Search vs. Look for

Mistake: “Using 'búsqueda' (search, general) when talking about a police raid.”

Correction: 'Registro' is specifically used for official or security searches of a location or person.

cacería

nounB2formal
Employ this word for an intense, often prolonged, search or pursuit, commonly used in contexts like a manhunt or a desperate search for something rare.

Examples

La policía ha iniciado una cacería para capturar al sospechoso.

The police have started a manhunt to capture the suspect.

Búsqueda vs. Busca

Learners often confuse 'búsqueda' and 'busca'. While both refer to a search, 'búsqueda' is more common for the general act of looking for something, whereas 'busca' implies a more organized or formal search effort, often by authorities.

Related Translations

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