Translation and Meaning of: 探す - sagasu

The Japanese word 探す (さがす, sagasu) is an essential verb for anyone learning the language. It means "to look for" or "to search" and appears frequently in everyday life, in dialogues, animes, and even in song lyrics. In this article, we will explore its meaning, practical usage, and some curiosities that will help you memorize it easily.

If you have ever watched an anime or Japanese drama, you have probably heard someone say "何かを探しています" (I am looking for something). This verb is so common that it is worth understanding it in depth. Additionally, let's see how it differs from other similar and in which contexts it is more appropriate to use it.

Meaning and usage of 探す

探す is a verb that expresses the action of searching for something that is lost, hidden, or not yet found. It can be used for both concrete objects and abstract things, like opportunities or solutions. For example, if you lost your keys, you would say "鍵を探しています" (I am looking for my keys).

An interesting characteristic is that 探す implies an active search, unlike 見つける (to find), which indicates the result of the search. This distinction is important because many students confuse the two . Furthermore, 探す is often used in everyday situations, such as looking for a place, a job, or even love.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 探 is composed of the radical 手 (hand) and the component 罙, which suggests the idea of "diving" or "investigating deeply." This combination reinforces the sense of searching for something with effort, as if we are rummaging through something with our hands to find what we are looking for. This mental image can aid in memorization.

It is worth noting that 探す is the kun'yomi (Japanese reading) of the kanji, while the on'yomi (Chinese reading) is "TAN", as in 探検 (たんけん, exploration). Knowing this can be useful for understanding other words that share the same kanji, naturally expanding your vocabulary.

Trivia and memorization tips

An effective way to 探す is to associate it with real-life situations. For example, imagine you are looking for a friend in a crowd – this intense action of searching perfectly matches the meaning of the word. Another tip is to create flashcards with phrases like "スマホを探す" (search for the cellphone), something that everyone has done at least once.

In Japan, this verb is so prevalent that it appears even in popular proverbs and song titles. An interesting fact is that, in some regional dialects, like that of Osaka, the pronunciation may vary slightly, but the meaning remains the same. This shows how the word is deeply rooted in the daily communication of the Japanese people.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 探す

• 探す: Present affirmative
• 探した: Affirmative past tense
• 探している: Present progressive affirmative
• 探していた: Affirmative progressive past tense
• 探せ: Affirmative imperative

Synonyms and similar words

• 捜す (sagasu) - Search, look for (usually refers to the search for something lost)
• 探り出す (saguridasu) - Discover, identify (refers to finding or uncovering something hidden)
• 捜し出す (sashidasu) - Find, locate (the act of searching and finally discovering what one is looking for)
• 捜索する (sousaku suru) - Conduct a search (usually in a more formal or systematic context)
• 捜し求める (sashi motomeru) - Search and wish to find (indicates a strong desire to locate something specific)