Translation guide
The English word "found" has two main meanings: (1) the past tense of "find," meaning to discover or locate something, and (2) to establish or set up an organization, institution, or system. This guide covers both meanings, with natural Japanese equivalents and usage notes.
Expressing that someone discovered, located, or came across something (physical or abstract).
The most common verb for 'to find' something after searching or by chance. Past tense is 見つけた.
I found the key.
He found a new hobby.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be found' or 'to turn up.' Use when the subject is the thing found, not the person finding it.
The lost wallet was found.
More formal, often used for discoveries, scientific findings, or official reports.
Researchers found a new species of insect.
Used mainly in negative form 見当たらない to mean 'cannot be found' or 'is nowhere to be seen.'
It's nowhere to be found.
Expressing the act of creating or establishing an institution, system, or basis.
Standard verb for founding companies, organizations, schools, etc.
He founded a new company.
This university was founded in 1920.
Similar to 設立する but often implies a pioneering or creative founding, used for institutions, systems, or awards.
She founded the award.
Specifically used for founding a business or enterprise.
My grandfather founded this shop.
Literally 'to build,' but can be used metaphorically for founding a nation, school of thought, etc.
Expressing that something is founded on a principle, fact, or idea.
These are completely different verbs in Japanese. Use 見つける for discovering and 設立する for establishing.
見つける is transitive (someone finds something), while 見つかる is intransitive (something is found). Choose based on what you want to emphasize.
I found a great restaurant.
She founded the charity in 2010.
He founded a new nation.
The custom is founded in the local culture.