Japanese word

探す

Pronunciation

Romajisagasu

Meaning

  • verblook for

Example

本屋で本を探します。hon ya de hon o saga shi ma su

I look for a book at the bookstore.

Illustration for 探す (look for)

More examples

かばんを探します。ka ba n o saga shi ma su

I look for my bag.

出かける前に、部屋で眼鏡を探しています。de ka ke ru mae ni heya de megane o saga shi te i ma su

Before going out, I am looking for my glasses in the room.

Core concept

Involves directing attention and effort toward finding a person, thing, place, or information whose location or existence is not yet known.

Common phrases

  • 仕事を探すshi goto o saga su

    look for a job

  • 鍵を探すkagi o saga su

    look for the key

  • 答えを探すkota e o saga su

    look for the answer

Similar words

求めるmotomeru: To seek a person, thing, place, or condition that is wanted.
探し回るsagashimawaru: To look in several places while trying to find a person or thing.

Definition in Japanese

人や物などを見つけるために、そのありかを調べる。hito ya mono na do o mi tsu ke ru ta me ni so no a ri ka o shira be ru

Word origin

探す (sagasu) is a native Japanese verb of uncertain deeper origin; the kanji 探 (tan, "search") represents its meaning.

Usage tips

  • 探す (sagasu) is used not only for missing things but also for seeking an option, such as a job, a home, or a suitable restaurant.

Other meanings

  • search forverb

Related words

  • 探し方sagashikataway of looking fornoun
  • 探し物sagashimonothing being looked fornoun

Word lists with this word