Translation guide
A tool for finding information on the internet. In Japanese, the English term is widely used, but there are also native expressions.
search engine
Referring to a service like Google or Bing used to search the web.
The standard Japanese term, a direct loan from English. Used in both technical and everyday contexts.
Please look it up on a search engine.
This search engine is easy to use.
Less common variant of 'search engine'. Still understood, but '検索エンジン' is preferred.
Search using a search engine.
Describing the action of searching online, often without specifying the tool.
The most natural way to say 'search on the internet'. Literally 'search on the net'.
I searched for the words I didn't know online.
Let's search for a restaurant online.
Slang verb meaning 'to google'. Very common in casual speech, but only for Google specifically.
Use only when referring to Google. Not appropriate for other search engines or formal situations.
A slightly more technical phrase meaning 'to run a search'. Used in IT contexts or when emphasizing the search process.
Run a search on the database.
Mentioning a particular service like Google, Yahoo, etc.
In Japanese, it's common to use the brand name (e.g., グーグル, ヤフー) just like in English. No need to add 'search engine'.
I looked it up on Google.
I read the news on Yahoo.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often use '検索する' (to search) without specifying the tool. For example, 'ちょっと検索してみる' (I'll search it real quick). This is more natural than always saying 'search engine'.
Which search engine do you use?
I found it on a search engine.
それ、ググってみて。
Just google it.