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A2 verb #1,500 le plus courant 14 min de lecture

buscar

Top 1,500

At the A1 beginner level, the verb 'buscar' is introduced primarily as a highly practical, action-oriented vocabulary word related to daily routines, physical movement, and basic needs. For a learner just starting their journey in Portuguese, 'buscar' is almost exclusively understood as 'to go get' or 'to fetch'. The focus is heavily on the physical retrieval of objects or people from specific, known locations. At this stage, learners are taught to use 'buscar' in conjunction with the verb 'ir' (to go) to form the incredibly common compound structure 'ir buscar'. This makes it easier to express future intentions or commands without needing to master complex conjugations immediately. For example, an A1 learner will practice phrases like 'Vou buscar o pão' (I am going to fetch the bread) or 'Vou buscar meu amigo' (I am going to pick up my friend). The grammatical focus is on the present tense (Presente do Indicativo) and simple future constructions using 'ir + infinitive'. Learners are also taught the crucial cultural and linguistic distinction that while you might use 'pegar' (to grab/take) for objects right in front of you, you must use 'buscar' when you have to travel to another location to get the object, and you must always use 'buscar' when picking up people. Vocabulary exercises at this level will pair 'buscar' with common nouns like 'escola' (school), 'aeroporto' (airport), 'carro' (car), 'crianças' (children), and 'comida' (food). The concept of abstract searching is generally avoided at this level to prevent cognitive overload. The primary goal is functional communication: enabling the learner to coordinate simple logistics, run errands, and navigate basic social interactions where retrieving items or people is necessary. Mastery of 'buscar' at the A1 level provides a vital building block for independent navigation in a Portuguese-speaking environment.

At the A2 elementary level, the understanding and application of the verb 'buscar' expand significantly beyond the basic 'ir buscar' (go fetch) constructions learned in A1. Learners at this stage are expected to conjugate 'buscar' independently across the primary past tenses, specifically the Pretérito Perfeito (simple past) and Pretérito Imperfeito (imperfect past). This introduces a critical orthographic challenge: learners must master the spelling change from 'c' to 'qu' in the first person singular of the Pretérito Perfeito ('eu busquei', not 'eu buscei') to maintain the correct pronunciation. This spelling rule is a key assessment point at the A2 level. Contextually, while physical fetching remains a primary use case ('Eu busquei as crianças na escola ontem' - I picked up the kids at school yesterday), A2 learners begin to encounter 'buscar' in slightly more abstract or informational contexts. For instance, they learn to use it in the context of technology, such as 'buscar informações na internet' (to search for information on the internet) or 'buscar um endereço' (to look for an address). Furthermore, the distinction between 'buscar' (fetching from a known place) and 'procurar' (looking for something lost) is explicitly taught and practiced. A2 learners are trained to stop translating the English 'look for' directly to 'buscar por' and instead use the direct transitive form ('buscar algo') or switch to 'procurar' when appropriate. They also begin to see 'buscar' used to express seeking non-physical things like help or advice ('buscar ajuda', 'buscar conselho'). The vocabulary surrounding the verb expands to include adverbs of time and place, allowing learners to construct more detailed narratives about their routines and past actions involving retrieving or seeking. By the end of A2, 'buscar' is a fully integrated, flexible tool in the learner's everyday conversational arsenal.

At the B1 intermediate level, the learner's relationship with the verb 'buscar' undergoes a significant shift from the purely concrete and logistical to the abstract, professional, and intentional. While B1 speakers still use 'buscar' for fetching kids or groceries, the focus of instruction and assessment moves toward using the verb to express goals, desires, and problem-solving. 'Buscar' becomes synonymous with 'to seek', 'to strive for', or 'to pursue'. Learners are introduced to collocations such as 'buscar soluções' (to seek solutions), 'buscar oportunidades' (to seek opportunities), 'buscar a paz' (to seek peace), and 'buscar melhorar' (to seek to improve). This aligns with the B1 CEFR descriptor of being able to describe ambitions, express opinions, and explain plans. Grammatically, B1 learners must confidently use 'buscar' in the Subjunctive mood (Presente do Subjuntivo), which requires applying the 'c' to 'qu' spelling change across all persons (que eu busque, que você busque, etc.). They will construct complex sentences expressing doubt, desire, or necessity, such as 'É importante que a empresa busque novos mercados' (It is important that the company seeks new markets). Additionally, the prepositional usage 'buscar por' is explored more deeply, teaching learners that adding 'por' implies a more intense, prolonged, or desperate search, often used in news contexts (e.g., 'A polícia busca por desaparecidos' - The police are searching for missing persons). The B1 level also introduces the noun forms derived from the verb, such as 'a busca' (the search/quest), allowing for greater syntactic variety. By mastering these abstract and subjunctive applications, B1 learners demonstrate a growing sophistication in their ability to articulate complex thoughts, moving beyond simple survival Portuguese into the realm of nuanced, expressive communication.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, the verb 'buscar' is treated as a high-frequency, multi-dimensional lexical item that requires precision, stylistic awareness, and a deep understanding of register. B2 learners are expected to use 'buscar' effortlessly in professional, academic, and formal contexts, distinguishing it clearly from more colloquial synonyms. In business Portuguese, 'buscar' is heavily utilized to articulate corporate strategy, mission statements, and professional objectives. Phrases like 'buscar a excelência' (to strive for excellence), 'buscar parcerias estratégicas' (to seek strategic partnerships), and 'buscar otimização de recursos' (to seek resource optimization) become standard vocabulary. The learner must understand that in these formal contexts, 'buscar' elevates the discourse, sounding much more professional than 'procurar' or 'tentar'. Grammatically, B2 learners manipulate 'buscar' across all complex tenses, including the Futuro do Subjuntivo (quando eu buscar) and the Mais-que-perfeito (tinha buscado/buscara), integrating it into conditional sentences and hypothetical scenarios. Furthermore, B2 instruction delves into idiomatic and literary usages. Learners encounter reflexive constructions like 'buscar-se' (to seek oneself, to engage in introspection) and learn to interpret 'buscar' in metaphorical contexts, such as 'buscar inspiração' (to seek inspiration) or 'buscar refúgio' (to seek refuge). The distinction between 'buscar' and its near-synonyms (pesquisar, investigar, averiguar) is fine-tuned; a B2 speaker knows exactly when to use 'pesquisar' for academic research versus 'buscar' for a general query. They also become sensitive to regional variations, understanding, for example, the subtle differences in how 'ir buscar' is used in Portugal versus Brazil. Ultimately, at the B2 level, 'buscar' is not just a verb to be conjugated; it is a rhetorical tool used to convey ambition, thoroughness, and intellectual pursuit, reflecting the learner's advanced communicative competence.

At the C1 advanced level, the verb 'buscar' is fully internalized, and the learner's focus shifts to stylistic elegance, idiomatic mastery, and the comprehension of subtle, implicit meanings in complex texts. C1 speakers use 'buscar' not just correctly, but eloquently, selecting it over synonyms to achieve specific rhetorical effects. In academic and literary contexts, 'buscar' is recognized as a powerful verb denoting existential quests, philosophical inquiry, and profound human yearning. Learners encounter and produce sentences like 'A obra busca desconstruir os paradigmas sociais' (The work seeks to deconstruct social paradigms) or 'O protagonista passa a vida a buscar um sentido para o sofrimento' (The protagonist spends his life seeking a meaning for suffering). At this level, the syntactic flexibility of 'buscar' is fully exploited. C1 learners comfortably use it with abstract direct objects, complex prepositional phrases, and infinitive clauses. They are adept at using the noun 'busca' in sophisticated constructions, such as 'em busca de' (in search of), which is heavily used in journalism and literature. Furthermore, C1 learners are sensitive to the sociolinguistic nuances of the verb. They understand when 'buscar' sounds poetic, when it sounds bureaucratic, and when it is simply functional. They can effortlessly navigate idiomatic expressions and phrasal verb equivalents, understanding that 'buscar' can sometimes translate to 'to elicit' or 'to draw out' depending on the context. The spelling rules (c to qu) are entirely automatic, and conjugation across all literary tenses (like the simple pluperfect 'buscara') is recognized and understood, even if not frequently produced in spoken language. At the C1 level, the learner's command of 'buscar' mirrors that of an educated native speaker, demonstrating a profound grasp of Portuguese semantics, syntax, and cultural resonance.

At the C2 mastery level, the learner's interaction with the verb 'buscar' transcends standard grammatical and lexical instruction. At this pinnacle of proficiency, 'buscar' is wielded with absolute precision, creativity, and an intuitive grasp of its historical and cultural weight. C2 speakers recognize 'buscar' as a foundational element of the Lusophone literary and philosophical tradition. They can analyze how classic authors, from Camões to Machado de Assis, utilize the verb to explore themes of discovery, loss, and the human condition. In highly specialized or academic discourse, the C2 user employs 'buscar' to articulate complex theoretical frameworks, such as 'A pesquisa busca elucidar as nuances cognitivas da aquisição da linguagem' (The research seeks to elucidate the cognitive nuances of language acquisition). They possess an absolute command over the most obscure and archaic conjugations, effortlessly comprehending the mesoclisis (e.g., 'buscá-lo-ei' - I shall seek him) found in formal or historical texts. Furthermore, the C2 speaker plays with the verb's semantics, using it ironically, metaphorically, or in novel collocations that push the boundaries of standard usage while remaining perfectly intelligible and evocative to native speakers. They are acutely aware of the etymological roots of the word (from the Vulgar Latin 'buscare', to search the woods) and can appreciate how this history of foraging and hunting echoes in modern usages of intense, desperate searching. The distinction between 'buscar', 'procurar', 'indagar', 'esquadrinhar', and 'perscrutar' is not merely understood; it is actively leveraged to achieve exact shades of meaning. At the C2 level, 'buscar' is a testament to the learner's complete immersion in the Portuguese language, demonstrating an ability to express the most profound and nuanced aspects of human thought and action.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

buscar en 30 secondes

Means 'to fetch' or 'to pick up' objects or people.
Means 'to search for' information, solutions, or abstract goals.
Often used with 'ir' (ir buscar) meaning 'to go get'.
Spelling changes to 'qu' in past tense 'eu' form (busquei).

The Portuguese verb 'buscar' is an incredibly versatile, highly frequent, and deeply essential lexical item that primarily translates to 'to look for', 'to search for', or 'to fetch' in the English language. Understanding the multifaceted nature of this verb is absolutely essential for any dedicated learner of the Portuguese language, regardless of their current proficiency level, because it bridges the gap between physical actions and abstract conceptualizations. When we delve into the semantic core of 'buscar', we uncover a word that implies a deliberate, intentional effort to locate something or someone, or to retrieve an object or person from a specific location. This intentionality is what distinguishes it from merely seeing or finding something by chance.

Physical Retrieval: In its most concrete sense, 'buscar' means to go somewhere to get something and bring it back. This is often translated as 'to fetch' or 'to pick up'. For example, picking up children from school or fetching a glass of water.

Eu vou buscar as crianças na escola agora mesmo.

Furthermore, the concept of 'buscar' extends far beyond the mere physical realm. It is extensively utilized in abstract contexts where the object of the search is not a tangible item, but rather a concept, an idea, a solution, or a state of being.

Abstract Searching: This involves seeking intangible things such as truth, happiness, solutions to complex problems, or professional opportunities. It implies a journey or a process of discovery rather than a simple physical retrieval.

A humanidade sempre continuará a buscar a paz mundial.

The etymology of 'buscar' traces back to the Vulgar Latin 'buscare', which originally meant to search the woods (from 'boscus', meaning wood or forest). This historical root beautifully illustrates the original sense of hunting or foraging, which has evolved into the modern, broader meanings of searching and fetching.

Technological Context: In the digital age, 'buscar' has seamlessly adapted to mean 'to search' on the internet or within a database. The search bar on a website is often labeled 'Buscar'.

Você pode buscar essa informação no Google.

It is also crucial to recognize the emotional weight that 'buscar' can carry. When someone is 'buscando' an answer to a profound life question, the verb conveys a sense of yearning, determination, and sometimes even desperation. This emotional resonance makes it a favorite among poets, songwriters, and novelists in the Lusophone world.

Ele passou a vida inteira a buscar um amor verdadeiro.

To fully master 'buscar', one must appreciate its dual identity: it is simultaneously the mundane act of grabbing your keys before leaving the house and the profound philosophical quest for meaning. This duality is what makes the verb so rich and indispensable. Whether you are navigating the bustling streets of São Paulo trying to fetch a taxi, or reading a classic piece of Portuguese literature where the protagonist is searching for their lost identity, 'buscar' is the linguistic vehicle that carries these diverse human experiences.

Fui buscar inspiração nas montanhas.

In summary, 'buscar' is not just a translation of 'to look for'; it is a comprehensive concept encompassing retrieval, investigation, digital querying, and existential seeking, making it a cornerstone of Portuguese vocabulary.

Using the verb 'buscar' correctly requires an understanding of its syntactic behavior, its common collocations, and the specific grammatical structures it typically inhabits. As a regular verb ending in '-ar', its conjugation follows the standard patterns of the first conjugation class in Portuguese, which makes it relatively straightforward for learners to memorize. However, the true mastery of 'buscar' lies in understanding how it interacts with other words in a sentence, particularly its objects and prepositions.

Direct Transitive Usage: Most commonly, 'buscar' is a direct transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object without the need for a preposition. You simply 'buscar' something or someone.

O detetive foi buscar as provas do crime.

One of the most frequent and practical ways 'buscar' is used in everyday spoken Portuguese is in conjunction with the auxiliary verb 'ir' (to go). The construction 'ir buscar' translates directly to 'to go get' or 'to go fetch'. This compound structure is incredibly common when talking about errands, picking up people, or retrieving items from another location.

The 'Ir Buscar' Structure: This structure emphasizes the movement involved in the retrieval process. It highlights that the subject must travel to a different location to obtain the object.

Pode ir buscar um copo de água para mim, por favor?

While 'buscar' usually takes a direct object, there are specific, often more formal or abstract contexts where it can be followed by the preposition 'por'. This usage, 'buscar por', is closer in meaning to 'to search for' or 'to seek out' and is frequently used when the object of the search is difficult to find, abstract, or when the search itself is intensive and prolonged.

Usage with Preposition 'Por': Using 'buscar por' adds a layer of intensity or duration to the search. It implies a thorough investigation or a deep yearning for something elusive.

A polícia continua a buscar por pistas no local do acidente.

In terms of conjugation, 'buscar' presents a minor spelling change in the preterite (past tense) for the first person singular (eu). To maintain the hard 'k' sound of the 'c', the spelling changes to 'qu' before the 'e'. Therefore, 'eu busquei' (I searched/fetched), not 'eu buscei'. This is a standard orthographic rule in Portuguese for verbs ending in '-car', but it is a crucial detail for learners to remember when writing.

Ontem, eu busquei meu irmão no aeroporto.

Furthermore, 'buscar' is frequently used with reflexive pronouns in more literary or psychological contexts, such as 'buscar-se' (to search for oneself, to seek self-discovery). It also forms the basis for several important nouns, such as 'a busca' (the search, the quest) and 'o buscador' (the search engine, the seeker). Understanding these structural nuances—direct vs. prepositional objects, auxiliary combinations, and orthographic shifts—will empower you to use 'buscar' with the confidence and accuracy of a native speaker.

Eles decidiram buscar ajuda profissional para resolver o problema.

By mastering these grammatical patterns, you ensure that your Portuguese sounds natural, precise, and contextually appropriate in any situation.

The verb 'buscar' is ubiquitous in the Portuguese-speaking world, permeating almost every layer of communication, from the most casual street conversations to the highest echelons of academic and literary discourse. Because its meaning spans both the physical act of fetching and the abstract concept of seeking, you will encounter it in a vast array of contexts. Understanding where and how 'buscar' is deployed in real-life situations is key to developing a natural ear for the language.

Everyday Family Life: In domestic settings, 'buscar' is the go-to verb for running errands and managing family logistics. It is constantly used when coordinating who will pick up the kids, fetch the groceries, or get the car from the mechanic.

Amor, você pode buscar o pão na padaria hoje?

Moving beyond the home, 'buscar' is a staple in the professional and corporate world. In business environments, companies are always 'buscando' (seeking) new opportunities, new markets, better results, or highly qualified candidates. It conveys a sense of proactive strategy and corporate ambition.

Corporate and Business Contexts: Here, 'buscar' translates to 'to seek' or 'to strive for'. It is used in mission statements, job descriptions, and strategic planning meetings to denote the pursuit of corporate goals.

Nossa empresa visa buscar a excelência no atendimento ao cliente.

In the realm of technology and the internet, 'buscar' has found a massive new domain. It is the standard translation for 'to search' in the context of search engines, databases, and software applications. When you open a Brazilian or Portuguese website, the search bar will almost invariably have the word 'Buscar' written inside it.

Digital and Online Environments: The verb is used to describe the action of querying a system for information. A search engine itself is called um 'buscador'.

Vou buscar o endereço desse restaurante no aplicativo.

Furthermore, 'buscar' is deeply embedded in cultural, religious, and philosophical discourse. In religious contexts, believers 'buscam' (seek) God, enlightenment, or spiritual peace. In literature, characters embark on epic journeys to 'buscar' their destiny or uncover hidden truths. This elevated usage showcases the verb's capacity to express profound human desires and existential quests.

Muitas pessoas viajam para a Índia para buscar paz espiritual.

Finally, in the context of law enforcement and journalism, 'buscar' is frequently used to describe investigations. Police 'buscam' suspects, evidence, or motives. This usage implies a systematic, official, and often urgent search.

As autoridades continuam a buscar os responsáveis pelo crime.

By recognizing these diverse contexts—from the bakery to the boardroom, and from the smartphone screen to the spiritual retreat—you will develop a comprehensive appreciation for the indispensable role that 'buscar' plays in the Portuguese language.

While 'buscar' is a fundamental verb, it is also a frequent source of confusion for learners of Portuguese, primarily due to its overlap with other verbs like 'procurar' and 'pegar', and the specific syntactic rules governing its use. Identifying and correcting these common mistakes is a crucial step toward achieving fluency and sounding like a native speaker. One of the most prevalent errors is the unnecessary insertion of the preposition 'por' when translating directly from the English 'to search for' or 'to look for'.

The Preposition Trap: English speakers often say 'buscar por minhas chaves' (search for my keys). In Portuguese, 'buscar' is usually transitive direct, so the 'por' is incorrect in simple physical searches. It should just be 'buscar minhas chaves'.

Incorreto: Fui buscar pelo meu casaco. / Correto: Fui buscar meu casaco.

Another major area of confusion is the distinction between 'buscar' and 'procurar'. While both can mean 'to look for', they are not always interchangeable. 'Procurar' generally implies that the location of the object is unknown; you are actively trying to find it. 'Buscar', especially when used as 'ir buscar', implies that you know where the object or person is, and you are simply going there to retrieve them.

Buscar vs. Procurar: Use 'procurar' when something is lost. Use 'buscar' when you are fetching something from a known location.

Perdi meu relógio, estou procurando. vs. O relógio está no quarto, vou buscar.

A third common mistake involves the verb 'pegar' (to take, to grab). In English, you might say 'I will pick up my friend'. Learners sometimes translate this literally as 'Vou pegar meu amigo'. While 'pegar' is used for picking up objects, using it for people can sound rude, objectifying, or even have unintended slang connotations depending on the region. For people, always use 'buscar'.

Fetching People: Never use 'pegar' to mean picking someone up in a vehicle or from a location. 'Buscar' is the only polite and correct option.

Preciso buscar minha mãe na estação de trem.

Orthographic errors are also frequent, particularly in the preterite and subjunctive tenses. Because 'buscar' ends in '-car', learners often forget to change the 'c' to 'qu' to maintain the hard 'k' sound before an 'e'. Writing 'buscei' instead of 'busquei' is a classic beginner mistake that immediately marks the writer as a non-native speaker.

Eu busquei o documento ontem à noite.

Finally, learners sometimes overuse 'buscar' in contexts where a more specific verb would be appropriate. For instance, while you can 'buscar' information on the internet, if you are conducting formal academic research, the verb 'pesquisar' is much more accurate and professional. By being mindful of these subtle distinctions, avoiding unnecessary prepositions, choosing the right verb for people vs. objects, and mastering the orthographic quirks, you will significantly elevate your command of the Portuguese language and use 'buscar' flawlessly.

Eles foram buscar as encomendas nos correios.

The Portuguese language is rich with synonyms and related verbs that share semantic territory with 'buscar'. Understanding the nuances that separate 'buscar' from its lexical neighbors is essential for precise and expressive communication. While 'buscar' is a fantastic, all-purpose verb for searching and fetching, knowing when to deploy words like 'procurar', 'pesquisar', 'catar', or 'investigar' will add depth and accuracy to your vocabulary. The most prominent and frequently confused similar word is, without a doubt, 'procurar'.

Procurar vs. Buscar: 'Procurar' is the direct equivalent of 'to look for' when something is lost or its location is unknown. 'Buscar' leans heavily towards 'to fetch' from a known location, or 'to seek' in an abstract, goal-oriented sense.

Estou procurando minhas chaves, mas vou buscar meu filho na escola.

Another highly relevant verb is 'pesquisar'. While you can 'buscar' information on Google, 'pesquisar' implies a much more systematic, thorough, and often academic or professional investigation. It translates to 'to research' or 'to survey'. If you are writing a thesis or conducting a market study, you are 'pesquisando', not just 'buscando'.

Pesquisar: Use 'pesquisar' for academic research, market surveys, or deep, systematic investigations into a specific topic.

O cientista passou anos a pesquisar, mas sempre a buscar a verdade.

For more colloquial or specific physical searches, Portuguese offers verbs like 'catar' and 'fuçar'. 'Catar' means to pick up small things one by one, often implying a tedious search, like picking up pieces of broken glass or searching for lice. 'Fuçar' is highly informal and means to rummage or snoop through things, like a dog digging in the trash or someone looking through another person's drawers.

Catar and Fuçar: These are highly specific, often informal verbs. 'Catar' is for meticulous picking, and 'fuçar' is for messy rummaging or snooping.

Em vez de fuçar nas minhas coisas, você deveria buscar o que fazer.

In formal or legal contexts, 'investigar' (to investigate) and 'averiguar' (to ascertain/verify) are used. While the police might 'buscar' a suspect, they 'investigam' the crime scene. 'Averiguar' is used when trying to establish the truth of a specific claim or situation. These verbs carry a weight of official authority and rigorous methodology that 'buscar' lacks on its own.

O comitê vai investigar o caso para buscar uma solução justa.

Finally, the verb 'caçar' (to hunt) can sometimes be used metaphorically to mean a desperate or aggressive search, similar to 'hunting down' a bargain or a fugitive. By mapping out this constellation of related verbs—procurar, pesquisar, catar, fuçar, investigar, and caçar—you can see exactly where 'buscar' sits: it is the elegant, versatile bridge between the simple act of fetching and the profound act of seeking.

Ele foi buscar água na fonte.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Informel

Argot

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

Eu vou buscar o pão na padaria.

I am going to fetch the bread at the bakery.

Uses the compound future 'ir + infinitive' which is very common in A1.

Você pode buscar a bola?

Can you fetch the ball?

Direct transitive use for fetching a physical object.

Ela vai buscar o filho na escola.

She is going to pick up her son at school.

Crucial A1 usage: using 'buscar' (not pegar) for picking up people.

Nós vamos buscar água.

We are going to fetch water.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

Ele foi buscar o carro.

He went to get the car.

Introduction of the past tense of 'ir' with the infinitive 'buscar'.

Vou buscar minha bolsa.

I will fetch my bag.

Everyday logistical usage.

Eles vão buscar a pizza.

They are going to pick up the pizza.

Common daily life scenario.

Preciso buscar meu casaco.

I need to fetch my coat.

Using 'precisar' (to need) with the infinitive.

Ontem, eu busquei minha irmã no aeroporto.

Yesterday, I picked up my sister at the airport.

Shows the critical 'c' to 'qu' spelling change in the 'eu' form of the past tense.

Você buscou as informações na internet?

Did you search for the information on the internet?

Introduces digital/informational searching.

Nós buscamos o cachorro no veterinário.

We picked up the dog at the vet.

Regular past tense conjugation for 'nós'.

Ela sempre busca o melhor preço.

She always looks for the best price.

Using 'buscar' for seeking abstract concepts like 'the best price'.

Eles buscaram ajuda quando o carro quebrou.

They sought help when the car broke down.

Seeking non-physical assistance.

Eu não busquei o pacote nos correios.

I didn't pick up the package at the post office.

Negative sentence structure in the past tense.

Onde você buscou essa ideia?

Where did you get that idea?

Metaphorical use of fetching an idea.

Fomos buscar as chaves que esquecemos.

We went to fetch the keys we forgot.

Combining 'ir' in the past with 'buscar' for a retrieval mission.

É importante que você busque a felicidade.

It is important that you seek happiness.

Uses the Present Subjunctive (que você busque), requiring the 'qu' spelling.

A empresa busca novos talentos para a equipe.

The company is seeking new talents for the team.

Professional context, seeking abstract 'talents'.

Eles estão buscando por uma solução pacífica.

They are searching for a peaceful solution.

Using the preposition 'por' to indicate an intense or prolonged search.

Espero que eles busquem um acordo em breve.

I hope they seek an agreement soon.

Subjunctive mood triggered by 'espero que' (I hope that).

O detetive buscou entender os motivos do crime.

The detective sought to understand the motives of the crime.

'Buscar' followed by an infinitive verb (buscar entender).

Muitos jovens buscam independência financeira.

Many young people seek financial independence.

Seeking abstract life goals.

Se eu buscasse mais, talvez encontrasse.

If I searched more, maybe I would find it.

Imperfect Subjunctive usage (se eu buscasse).

A polícia continua buscando os suspeitos.

The police continue searching for the suspects.

Use of the gerund (buscando) for an ongoing action.

O governo busca implementar novas políticas públicas este ano.

The government seeks to implement new public policies this year.

Formal, institutional use of 'buscar' followed by an infinitive.

Quando você buscar a encomenda, verifique se está intacta.

When you fetch the parcel, check if it is intact.

Future Subjunctive (quando você buscar) used for future hypothetical actions.

A literatura frequentemente busca explorar a complexidade humana.

Literature frequently seeks to explore human complexity.

Academic/literary context.

Ele havia buscado todas as alternativas antes de desistir.

He had sought all alternatives before giving up.

Pluperfect tense (havia buscado) indicating an action completed before another past action.

Trata-se de um profissional que busca constantemente a inovação.

This is a professional who constantly seeks innovation.

Corporate vocabulary, using 'buscar' for professional drive.

A ONG busca por voluntários dispostos a viajar.

The NGO is searching for volunteers willing to travel.

Formal solicitation using 'buscar por'.

Mesmo que busquem falhas, o sistema é seguro.

Even if they look for flaws, the system is secure.

Concessive clause with Present Subjunctive (mesmo que busquem).

Eles se buscaram na multidão, mas não se encontraram.

They looked for each other in the crowd, but didn't find each other.

Reflexive/reciprocal use (se buscaram).

O autor busca, nas entrelinhas, uma crítica velada à sociedade.

The author seeks, between the lines, a veiled critique of society.

Highly literary and analytical usage.

Buscava-se, à época, um modelo econômico mais sustentável.

At the time, a more sustainable economic model was being sought.

Passive voice with the pronoun 'se' (buscava-se) in a formal historical context.

É imperativo que a diplomacia busque atenuar as tensões geopolíticas.

It is imperative that diplomacy seeks to mitigate geopolitical tensions.

Advanced subjunctive trigger (É imperativo que) with sophisticated vocabulary.

A alma humana busca incessantemente o éter da compreensão.

The human soul incessantly seeks the ether of understanding.

Poetic, philosophical usage.

Tendo buscado todas as vias legais, restou-lhe apenas o apelo público.

Having sought all legal avenues, only public appeal remained for him.

Use of the perfect gerund (tendo buscado) to establish a complex timeline.

A ciência busca desvendar os mistérios que a natureza obstinadamente oculta.

Science seeks to unravel the mysteries that nature obstinately hides.

Academic register, personification of science and nature.

Não obstante as dificuldades, a equipe buscou contornar os obstáculos.

Notwithstanding the difficulties, the team sought to bypass the obstacles.

Advanced connectors (não obstante) paired with 'buscar + infinitive'.

O documentário busca dar voz àqueles que foram historicamente silenciados.

The documentary seeks to give a voice to those who were historically silenced.

Journalistic/artistic statement of purpose.

Buscá-lo-ei nos confins da terra, se for preciso.

I shall seek him at the ends of the earth, if necessary.

Use of mesoclisis (buscá-lo-ei), extremely formal and literary.

A dialética hegeliana busca a síntese através da superação das contradições.

Hegelian dialectics seeks synthesis through the overcoming of contradictions.

Highly specialized philosophical discourse.

Em sua odisseia, o herói busca não apenas o lar, mas a própria identidade fragmentada.

In his odyssey, the hero seeks not only home, but his own fragmented identity.

Literary analysis, deep metaphorical usage.

Buscara, em vão, o consolo na religião antes de render-se ao estoicismo.

He had sought, in vain, solace in religion before surrendering to stoicism.

Use of the simple pluperfect (buscara), typical of classical literature.

A jurisprudência pátria busca harmonizar os preceitos constitucionais com a realidade fática.

National jurisprudence seeks to harmonize constitutional precepts with factual reality.

Advanced legal jargon.

É uma obra que busca perscrutar os abismos da psique humana.

It is a work that seeks to peer into the abysses of the human psyche.

Pairing 'buscar' with highly advanced verbs like 'perscrutar'.

O poeta busca a palavra exata, aquela que sangra e redime.

The poet seeks the exact word, the one that bleeds and redeems.

Poetic, evocative language.

Buscando-se a si mesmo, perdeu-se nos labirintos da própria vaidade.

Seeking himself, he lost himself in the labyrinths of his own vanity.

Complex reflexive gerund construction.

Collocations courantes

buscar ajuda

buscar informações

buscar soluções

ir buscar

buscar a verdade

buscar oportunidades

buscar na internet

buscar inspiração

buscar refúgio

buscar alternativas

Phrases Courantes

ir buscar

mandar buscar

buscar por

em busca de

buscar a fundo

buscar entender

buscar melhorar

buscar o pão

buscar as crianças

buscar um sentido

Souvent confondu avec

buscar vs procurar

buscar vs pegar

buscar vs pesquisar

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

buscar vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

note

While 'buscar' can mean 'to search', if you are talking about searching a person (like a police pat-down), the verb is 'revistar', not 'buscar'.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'pegar' instead of 'buscar' to pick up a person.
Writing 'buscei' instead of 'busquei' in the past tense.
Using 'buscar por' for simple physical objects instead of just 'buscar'.
Using 'buscar' when 'procurar' (looking for something lost) is the correct verb.
Forgetting to use the subjunctive (que eu busque) after phrases like 'é importante que'.

Astuces

The 'QU' Spelling Rule

Always remember to change the 'c' to 'qu' whenever the ending starts with an 'e'. This happens in the 'eu' form of the simple past (busquei) and throughout the entire present subjunctive (busque, busquemos).

Picking Up People

Never translate 'pick up' as 'pegar' when talking about people. Always use 'buscar'. 'Vou buscar minha mãe' is correct. 'Vou pegar minha mãe' sounds very strange and potentially inappropriate.

Procurar vs. Buscar

Think of 'procurar' as 'looking for something lost'. Think of 'buscar' as 'going to get something you know is there' or 'seeking an abstract goal'.

Ir Buscar

Master the phrase 'ir buscar'. It is used constantly in spoken Portuguese. 'Vou buscar', 'fui buscar', 'vai buscar'. It's the most natural way to say 'go get'.

Corporate Speak

In business settings, use 'buscar' to sound professional. 'Nós buscamos resultados' (We seek results) sounds much better than 'Nós tentamos ter resultados'.

Drop the 'Por'

English speakers love to say 'search FOR'. In Portuguese, try to drop the 'por' with 'buscar' for physical objects. Just 'buscar as chaves', not 'buscar pelas chaves'.

Tech Vocabulary

If your phone or computer is in Portuguese, you will see 'Buscar' everywhere. It's the standard word for 'Search' in software.

Stress the Last Syllable

As an infinitive verb ending in 'r', the stress is on the final syllable: bus-CAR. Don't stress the 'bus'.

Buscar Sarna

Learn the idiom 'buscar sarna para se coçar' (literally: to fetch scabies to scratch). It means to look for trouble or create unnecessary problems for yourself.

Abstract Nouns

Pair 'buscar' with abstract nouns to elevate your writing. 'Buscar a paz', 'buscar a verdade', 'buscar a excelência'. It adds a sophisticated tone.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine taking a BUS to a CAR to FETCH your friend. BUS-CAR = to fetch.

Origine du mot

Vulgar Latin

Contexte culturel

The term 'buscador' is the standard translation for 'search engine' (like Google) in both countries.

In Brazil, 'buscar' is strictly preferred over 'pegar' when referring to picking up people, as 'pegar' can have sexual or disrespectful connotations depending on the context.

In Portugal, 'ir buscar' is used very frequently even for objects that are relatively close, whereas Brazilians might just use 'pegar' for nearby items.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Você pode buscar as crianças hoje?"

"O que você está buscando na internet?"

"Onde você foi buscar essa ideia?"

"Nossa empresa está buscando novos talentos."

"Fui buscar inspiração na natureza."

Sujets d'écriture

Escreva sobre uma vez que você teve que buscar alguém no aeroporto.

O que você busca para o seu futuro profissional?

Descreva a diferença entre buscar e procurar com seus próprios exemplos.

Qual foi a coisa mais difícil que você já teve que buscar na internet?

Você acha que a humanidade sempre vai buscar a paz?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is better to use 'procurar' when something is lost and you don't know where it is. 'Estou procurando minhas chaves'. You use 'buscar' when you know where they are and you are going to get them. 'Vou buscar minhas chaves no quarto'.

In Portuguese, the letter 'c' before 'e' or 'i' makes an 's' sound (like in 'cedo'). To keep the hard 'k' sound of the infinitive 'buscar', the spelling must change to 'qu' before the 'e' in the past tense. This is a standard rule for all verbs ending in '-car'.

Yes, it is highly recommended to avoid 'pegar' for people in this context. It can sound objectifying or even have slang/sexual connotations depending on the region. Always use 'buscar' when picking up people: 'Vou buscar meu amigo'.

Usually, no. 'Buscar' is typically a direct transitive verb, so you just say 'buscar o carro' (fetch the car). You can use 'buscar por' in more abstract or intense situations, like 'buscar por uma solução' (search for a solution), but it's not strictly necessary.

'Ir buscar' literally means 'to go fetch' or 'to go get'. It is an extremely common compound verb structure used to describe the action of traveling to a location specifically to retrieve an object or a person.

Yes, absolutely. 'Buscar' is the standard verb for searching on the internet or within a database. The search bar on a website is often labeled 'Buscar', and a search engine is called an 'O buscador'.

'Buscar' is a general search or fetch. 'Pesquisar' implies a formal, systematic, or academic research process. You 'buscar' a recipe on Google, but a scientist 'pesquisa' a cure for a disease.

Because of the spelling rule, the present subjunctive of 'buscar' uses 'qu' for all forms: que eu busque, que você busque, que nós busquemos, que eles busquem. For example: 'É importante que você busque ajuda'.

The core meanings are the same. However, in Portugal, 'ir buscar' is used much more frequently for grabbing objects, even those nearby. In Brazil, 'pegar' is more common for nearby objects, while 'buscar' is reserved for things further away or for people.

Yes, 'buscar' is heavily used in abstract contexts to mean 'to seek' or 'to strive for'. For example, 'buscar a felicidade' (to seek happiness) or 'buscar o sucesso' (to seek success).