Japanese word

模索

Pronunciation

Romajimosaku

Meaning

  • nounsearch

Example

私たちは問題の解決策を模索しています。watashi ta chi wa mon dai no kai ketsu saku o mo saku shi te i ma su

We are searching for a solution to the problem.

Illustration for 模索 (search)

More examples

若者たちは自分に合った仕事の模索を続けています。waka mono ta chi wa ji bun ni a tta shi goto no mo saku o tsuzu ke te i ma su

Young people continue searching for work that suits them.

Core concept

Describes trying different paths without a clear guide until a suitable answer or method emerges.

Common phrases

  • 解決策を模索するkai ketsu saku o mo saku su ru

    search for a solution

  • 活路を模索するkatsu ro o mo saku su ru

    search for a way forward

  • 改善策を模索するkai zen saku o mo saku su ru

    search for ways to improve

Similar words

探索tansaku: A search that examines different areas or possibilities to find something suitable.
試行錯誤shikōsakugo: A process of trying different methods and learning from each result.
探究tankyū: A sustained effort to discover knowledge or understand a subject deeply.

Definition in Japanese

手がかりの少ない状況で、いろいろ試しながら適切な方法や答えを探すこと。te ga ka ri no suku na i jō kyō de i ro i ro tame shi na ga ra teki setsu na hō hō ya kota e o saga su ko to

Word origin

模索 (mosaku) is a Sino-Japanese compound made from 模 (mo, "form or pattern") and 索 (saku, "to seek"), and it denotes seeking a workable course without a fixed guide.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 模索 (mosaku) often sounds more formal than 探す (sagasu), because it suggests an ongoing search for a solution rather than a simple search for an object.

Other meanings

  • explorationnoun

Related words

  • 模索するmosakusurusearchverb

Word lists with this word