Translation guide
The English word "search" can be expressed in Japanese through several verbs and nouns, depending on what is being searched and the context. The most common and versatile verb is 探す (sagasu), used for looking for lost items, people, or information. For more systematic or formal searches, such as searching a database or conducting an investigation, 検索する (kensaku suru) or 捜索する (sōsaku suru) are used. This guide covers the main ways to express "search" in natural Japanese.
Expressing the act of trying to find something or someone that is missing or wanted, like keys, a person, or a job.
I'm searching for my wallet. · She's looking for her cat. · He's searching for a new apartment.
The most common and versatile verb for 'search' or 'look for'. Used for concrete objects, people, and abstract things like jobs or information. Transitive verb.
I'm searching for my keys.
I'm looking for a new job.
Often used interchangeably with 探す, but can imply a more thorough or formal search, especially for missing persons or criminal investigations. The kanji 捜 is used in police contexts.
The police are searching for the missing person.
To search around, to look everywhere for something. Emphasizes the action of moving from place to place.
I searched all over but couldn't find it.
Expressing the act of querying a computer system, the internet, or a document for specific information.
Search for the file on your computer. · I searched the database for his name. · Do a quick search on Google.
The standard verb for 'search' in digital contexts: web search, database query, searching within a document. Often used with を.
Search for information on the internet.
Please search by keyword.
Noun form of 'search', often used in compounds like 検索結果 (search results) or 検索エンジン (search engine).
Slang for 'to google'. Very casual, used among friends. Conjugates as a godan verb.
Expressing an organized, often large-scale search operation, typically by authorities.
The search for the missing hiker continued. · They conducted a search of the area. · A search warrant was issued.
Formal verb for 'search', used for police searches, rescue operations, or searching premises. Implies a systematic, thorough effort.
The police conducted a search of the house.
The rescue team is searching for the missing person.
Noun form, often used in compounds like 捜索願 (search request) or 捜索隊 (search party).
Expressing the act of trying to recall something or find an answer in one's thoughts.
I searched my memory for his name. · She searched her mind for an excuse.
Expressing the act of searching a person's body for concealed items, often by police or security.
The guard performed a search of the visitor. · They did a body search at the entrance.
Refers to a body search or physical examination, often in legal or security contexts. Can also mean medical check-up.
The police conducted a body search of the suspect.
Loanword from English 'body check', used for security frisking or pat-downs, e.g., at airports.
探す (sagasu) is the everyday verb for looking for something. 捜索する (sōsaku suru) is formal and used for official searches (police, rescue). 検索する (kensaku suru) is for digital searches. Using 捜索する for looking for your keys would sound overly dramatic.
English often uses 'search' where Japanese uses more specific verbs. For example, 'search for a word in a dictionary' is 辞書で単語を調べる (shiraberu, 'look up'), not 検索する. 'Search one's heart' might be 心に問いかける (kokoro ni toikakeru).
Look up a word in the dictionary (not 'search').
I searched the whole house for my glasses.
Please search for the file on the server.
The police are searching for the suspect.
検索結果が表示されました。
The search results were displayed.
I immediately google anything I don't know.
捜索願を出す。
File a missing person report (lit. submit a search request).
Even searching my mind, the answer doesn't come.
I underwent a body search at the airport.