Inklingo

How to Say "to seek" in Spanish

English → Spanish

buscar

boos-KARbusˈkaɾ

verbA1general
Use 'buscar' when you are trying to find something or someone, whether concrete objects or abstract concepts like information or a person.
A person kneeling down, peering under a sofa, searching for a lost item.

Examples

Busco un buen restaurante por aquí.

I'm looking for a good restaurant around here.

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'.

solicitar

so-lee-see-TARsolisiˈtaɾ

verbB1formal
Use 'solicitar' when you are formally asking for something, such as a job, a permit, or assistance from an organization or person.
A person handing a formal folder to an office worker across a desk.

Examples

Solicité información sobre el curso.

I requested information about the course.

He decidido solicitar el puesto de gerente.

I have decided to apply for the manager position.

Usted debe solicitar su pasaporte en la embajada.

You must request your passport at the embassy.

Es posible solicitar una prórroga para el pago.

It is possible to request an extension for the payment.

No 'for' needed

In English, you 'apply for' something. In Spanish, you don't need a word for 'for.' You simply 'solicitar' the thing directly.

Formality level

While 'pedir' is used for asking for a pizza or a favor from a friend, 'solicitar' is used for things involving paperwork, authorities, or official processes.

Using 'para'

Mistake: “Solicitar para un trabajo.”

Correction: Solicitar un trabajo. (Spanish verbs like this include the idea of 'for' inside the word itself.)

The 'Aplicar' confusion

Mistake: “Aplicar a un puesto.”

Correction: Solicitar un puesto. (Using 'aplicar' like the English 'apply' is common in Spanglish, but 'solicitar' is the correct formal Spanish term.)

perseguir

pehr-seh-GEERpeɾseˈɣiɾ

verbB2general
Use 'perseguir' when you are actively pursuing a goal, ambition, or objective, often implying a long-term effort.
A young person hiking determinedly up a steep, winding path toward the brightly lit summit of a tall mountain.

Examples

Él persigue la excelencia en su trabajo.

He pursues excellence in his work.

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. Solicitar

Learners often confuse 'buscar' and 'solicitar'. Remember that 'buscar' is for finding or looking for something, while 'solicitar' is for formally requesting something, like a job application or official information.

Related Translations

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