Inklingo

How to Say "to seek" in Spanish

English → Spanish

buscar

/boos-KAR//busˈkaɾ/

verbA1
Use 'buscar' when you are looking for a specific, often tangible, item or person, or when searching for information.
A person kneeling down, peering under a sofa, searching for a lost item.

Examples

Busco mis llaves. ¿Las has visto?

I'm looking for my keys. Have you seen them?

Mi hermano busca trabajo en Madrid.

My brother is looking for a job in Madrid.

Los científicos buscan una cura para la enfermedad.

The scientists are searching for a cure for the disease.

Spelling Change Alert!

When 'buscar' needs an 'e' after the 'c', the 'c' changes to 'qu' to keep the hard 'k' sound. See this in 'yo busqué' (I looked for) and 'que yo busque' (a special form for wishes).

Don't Add 'por' or 'para'

Mistake: “Busco por mis llaves.”

Correction: Busco mis llaves. The verb 'buscar' already means 'to look for', so you don't need to add an extra word for 'for'.

perseguir

pehr-seh-GEER/peɾseˈɣiɾ/

verbB2
Use 'perseguir' when you are actively pursuing a goal, ambition, or ideal, often something abstract or a long-term objective.
A young person hiking determinedly up a steep, winding path toward the brightly lit summit of a tall mountain.

Examples

Ella persigue su sueño de ser escritora desde que era niña.

She has been pursuing her dream of being a writer since she was a child.

Si persigues la perfección, nunca la alcanzarás.

If you pursue perfection, you will never reach it.

No Preposition Needed

Unlike some English phrases ('strive for'), 'perseguir' usually connects directly to the goal without a preposition: 'perseguir la felicidad' (to pursue happiness).

Buscar vs. Perseguir

Learners often confuse 'buscar' and 'perseguir'. Remember that 'buscar' is for finding something specific right now (like lost keys), while 'perseguir' implies a sustained effort towards a future goal or ideal.

Related Translations

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