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How to Say "seeking" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “seeking” is “buscando” — use 'buscando' when you are generally looking for something, like information, items, or abstract concepts, without necessarily making a direct request..

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buscando

/boos-KAHN-doh//busˈkando/

Verb Form (Gerund)A1general
Use 'buscando' when you are generally looking for something, like information, items, or abstract concepts, without necessarily making a direct request.
A small, colorful storybook illustration of a focused person kneeling down, lifting up a sofa cushion and peering underneath, illustrating the action of searching for something lost.

Examples

Estoy buscando mis llaves.

I am looking for my keys.

¿Qué estás buscando?

What are you looking for?

Pasé la tarde buscando información en la biblioteca.

I spent the afternoon searching for information in the library.

The Spanish '-ing' Form

buscando is the Spanish equivalent of adding '-ing' to 'look for'. It's a special form called a gerund (gerundio) that describes an action in progress. You'll almost always see it paired with a form of the verb estar (to be).

It Never Changes

One great thing about buscando is that it always stays the same, no matter who is doing the action. It's buscando for 'I', 'you', 'he', 'she', or 'they'. The verb estar is the one that changes: Estoy buscando, Estás buscando, Están buscando.

Adding an Unnecessary 'for'

Mistake: “Estoy buscando por mis llaves.”

Correction: Just say `Estoy buscando mis llaves.` In Spanish, the verb `buscar` already includes the idea of 'for,' so you don't need to add another word like `por`.

pidiendo

pee-DYEN-do/piˈðjen.do/

GerundA1general
Use 'pidiendo' when you are actively asking for something specific, like a favor, a loan of an object, or permission.
A child asking an adult for permission or assistance, represented by the child looking up at the adult with hands clasped.

Examples

Mi hermana está pidiendo el coche prestado otra vez.

My sister is asking for the car to borrow again.

El presidente estuvo pidiendo apoyo internacional durante la crisis.

The president was requesting international support during the crisis.

The E > I Stem Change

The verb 'pedir' is tricky because the 'e' in the middle changes to an 'i' in many forms, including the gerund 'pidiendo'. Remember: E changes to I!

Forming the Continuous Tense

You use 'pidiendo' after a form of 'estar' (to be) to show an action happening right now: 'Estamos pidiendo más tiempo' (We are asking for more time).

Confusing Pedir and Preguntar

Mistake: “Estoy pidiendo una pregunta. (I am asking a question.)”

Correction: Estoy haciendo una pregunta. (I am asking a question.) Use 'pedir' only when you want an object, favor, or action, not when you want information.

Buscando vs. Pidiendo

The most common mistake is using 'buscando' when you are actually making a specific request. Remember, if you are asking someone for something directly, like borrowing an item or requesting a service, 'pidiendo' is usually the correct choice.

Related Translations

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