Signification
If you actively look for something, you will eventually discover it.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, this is often used with a tone of 'patience.' Spanish culture values the 'sobremesa' and taking time; this proverb reminds people that the result will come if the search is steady. In Mexico, the variation 'El que busca, encuentra' is frequently used as a playful warning among friends when someone is being too nosy. Argentines might use this in a more cynical way to refer to political or social 'searching' for truth, often implying that the truth might be unpleasant.
Use it for encouragement
It's the perfect thing to say when a friend is about to give up on a search. It makes you sound very empathetic and native.
Watch the tone
If you say it with a smirk, it can sound like you're glad someone found trouble. Keep your tone warm if you mean to be helpful.
Signification
If you actively look for something, you will eventually discover it.
Use it for encouragement
It's the perfect thing to say when a friend is about to give up on a search. It makes you sound very empathetic and native.
Watch the tone
If you say it with a smirk, it can sound like you're glad someone found trouble. Keep your tone warm if you mean to be helpful.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb.
Quien busca, _______.
The proverb uses the present indicative 'encuentra'.
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
Your friend is sad because they can't find a good book to read.
It encourages the friend to keep looking for a book.
Which variation is also common in Latin America?
Alternative form:
'El que' is a very common substitute for 'Quien' in relative clauses.
Complete the dialogue.
A: No encuentro mi pasaporte. B: Sigue buscando, ya sabes que _______.
This is the standard encouraging response.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesQuien busca, _______.
The proverb uses the present indicative 'encuentra'.
Your friend is sad because they can't find a good book to read.
It encourages the friend to keep looking for a book.
Alternative form:
'El que' is a very common substitute for 'Quien' in relative clauses.
A: No encuentro mi pasaporte. B: Sigue buscando, ya sabes que _______.
This is the standard encouraging response.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsBoth are correct. 'Quien busca' is slightly more formal/proverbial, while 'El que busca' is more common in casual conversation.
Yes! It is very common to use this proverb when talking about searching for love or relationships.
Not always. It can be a warning: if you look for problems or secrets, you will find them.
Yes, because 'quien' (whoever) acts as a singular subject in this proverb structure.
Expressions liées
El que la sigue, la consigue
similarHe who follows it, gets it.
Buscad y hallaréis
specialized formSeek and you shall find.
El que busca peligro, en él perece
contrastHe who seeks danger, perishes in it.
