§ What does "em busca de" mean?
- Definition
- "Em busca de" translates directly to "in search of" or "looking for." It's a very common phrase you'll hear and read in Portuguese, used when someone or something is actively trying to find, obtain, or achieve something.
Think of it as the Portuguese equivalent of saying you are "on a quest for" something. It implies a deliberate action or an ongoing process of seeking. It’s not just passively hoping to find something; it’s actively putting effort into the search.
You can use "em busca de" for both concrete and abstract things. For instance, you could be looking for a new job (a concrete thing) or looking for happiness (an abstract concept). The phrase works well in both scenarios.
§ When do people use it?
Portuguese speakers use "em busca de" in a wide variety of contexts. It’s a versatile phrase that fits into many situations where the idea of searching or pursuing is present.
- Finding objects or places: If you've lost your keys, you're "em busca de" them. If you're exploring a new city, you might be "em busca de" the best coffee shop.
- Seeking opportunities: This is a very common use. People are often "em busca de" a new job, a better life, or new experiences.
- Pursuing goals or dreams: If you're working towards a personal or professional objective, you are "em busca de" that goal.
- Research or investigation: Scientists are "em busca de" cures for diseases. Journalists are "em busca de" the truth.
- Emotional or philosophical searches: Someone might be "em busca de" peace, understanding, or a deeper meaning in life.
The key is that there's an intention behind the action. It's not accidental finding; it's a deliberate pursuit.
§ Examples in context
Ele está em busca de um novo emprego.
This means: He is in search of (or looking for) a new job.
Estamos em busca de soluções inovadoras para o problema.
This means: We are in search of (or looking for) innovative solutions for the problem.
Muitas pessoas viajam em busca de aventura.
This means: Many people travel in search of adventure.
A empresa está sempre em busca de novos talentos.
This means: The company is always in search of new talents.
Ela passou a vida em busca de conhecimento.
This means: She spent her life in search of knowledge.
Notice how the structure remains constant: "em busca de" + the noun or noun phrase you are looking for. The "de" is a preposition that means "of," connecting the search to what is being sought.
§ Common pitfalls to avoid
- Forgetting "de": It's "em busca de" not just "em busca." Always include the preposition.
- Using it for a casual look: If you're just glancing around for something, "procurar" (to look for) might be more appropriate. "Em busca de" suggests a more intentional or significant search.
- Incorrect article usage: Remember that if the noun following "de" requires an article (like "a," "o," "as," "os"), it will contract with "de." For example, "em busca da verdade" (in search of the truth) because "de" + "a" = "da." Or "em busca dos documentos" (in search of the documents) because "de" + "os" = "dos." If the noun doesn't need an article (like abstract nouns or uncountable nouns in general contexts), then it's just "de."
§ What 'em busca de' means
- Portuguese Word
- em busca de
- Definition
- In search of; looking for.
You'll often hear and read 'em busca de' in Portuguese. It's a useful phrase for expressing that someone or something is actively searching for something else. Think of it as a more formal or committed way to say 'looking for'.
§ How to use it in a sentence
This phrase literally translates to 'in search of'. The 'de' part of 'em busca de' is a preposition. This means it connects 'em busca' to the noun or pronoun that is being searched for. You generally won't change 'em busca de' itself, but what comes after 'de' will vary.
Here are some common ways to use 'em busca de':
- With a noun: This is the most straightforward use. You put the noun you are searching for directly after 'de'.
Ela está em busca de um novo emprego. (She is in search of a new job.)
Estamos em busca de soluções sustentáveis. (We are looking for sustainable solutions.)
- With a verb in the infinitive: Sometimes, you're not just looking for a thing, but to do something. In these cases, you can follow 'de' with a verb in its infinitive form (the 'to do' form).
Ele viajou o mundo em busca de aprender novas culturas. (He traveled the world in search of learning new cultures.)
Eles estão em busca de encontrar a verdade. (They are in search of finding the truth.)
You might also see 'em busca de' used in a slightly more abstract way, talking about searching for concepts or feelings:
Muitas pessoas estão em busca de felicidade. (Many people are in search of happiness.)
The key is that 'em busca de' sets up the idea of a pursuit or a quest for whatever comes next. It's a versatile phrase that adds a layer of intention to the act of searching.
How Formal Is It?
"A empresa está em busca de novos talentos para expandir sua equipe de engenharia. (The company is in search of new talents to expand its engineering team.)"
"Estou procurando por um bom livro para ler nas férias. (I'm looking for a good book to read on vacation.)"
"Ele está à procura de um emprego desde que se formou na faculdade. (He's looking for a job since he graduated from college.)"
"As crianças estão caçando ovos de Páscoa no jardim. (The children are hunting for Easter eggs in the garden.)"
"A polícia está na cola dos ladrões que assaltaram o banco. (The police are on the trail of the thieves who robbed the bank.)"
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'busca' with a 'z' sound instead of an 's' sound.
- Not reducing the final 'e' in 'de' to an 'ee' sound when followed by a vowel or at the end of a phrase (especially in European Portuguese).
Examples by Level
Estou em busca de um bom livro para ler.
I am in search of a good book to read.
Eles estão em busca de um novo apartamento.
They are looking for a new apartment.
Ela viajou em busca de aventura.
She traveled in search of adventure.
Estamos em busca de informações sobre o evento.
We are looking for information about the event.
O gato estava em busca de comida.
The cat was in search of food.
Você está em busca de um emprego novo?
Are you looking for a new job?
Os cientistas estão em busca de novas descobertas.
The scientists are in search of new discoveries.
Eu estou em busca de um café agora.
I am looking for a coffee now.
Estou em busca de um bom livro para ler.
I am in search of a good book to read.
Eles estão em busca de novas oportunidades de trabalho.
They are looking for new job opportunities.
A polícia está em busca do ladrão.
The police are in search of the thief.
Ela viajou o mundo em busca de aventura.
She traveled the world looking for adventure.
Estamos em busca de soluções para o problema.
We are in search of solutions for the problem.
Ele passou a vida em busca da felicidade.
He spent his life looking for happiness.
Os cientistas estão em busca de uma cura para a doença.
The scientists are in search of a cure for the disease.
Você está em busca de algo específico?
Are you looking for something specific?
Estou em busca de um bom livro para ler nas férias.
I am in search of a good book to read on vacation.
Here, 'em busca de' introduces what someone is looking for.
A empresa está em busca de novos talentos para a equipe de marketing.
The company is looking for new talents for the marketing team.
Used here to express what an entity (the company) is seeking.
Muitas pessoas vêm para esta cidade em busca de melhores oportunidades de trabalho.
Many people come to this city in search of better job opportunities.
'Em busca de' explains the motivation or reason for an action.
Ele passou anos em busca de respostas para o mistério.
He spent years in search of answers to the mystery.
Indicates a prolonged effort to find something.
O detetive estava em busca de pistas para resolver o caso.
The detective was looking for clues to solve the case.
Describes an active search for specific items or information.
Ela viajou o mundo em busca de aventura e autoconhecimento.
She traveled the world in search of adventure and self-knowledge.
Explains the purpose behind a journey or exploration.
Os cientistas estão em busca de uma cura para a doença.
Scientists are in search of a cure for the disease.
Used to describe a collective or professional effort to find a solution.
Estamos sempre em busca de novas ideias para melhorar nossos serviços.
We are always looking for new ideas to improve our services.
Indicates an ongoing process of seeking improvements or innovations.
Grammar Patterns
Idioms & Expressions
"à flor da pele"
very sensitive, on edge
Ele está com as emoções à flor da pele depois da notícia. (He's very sensitive after the news.)
neutral"dar com a língua nos dentes"
to spill the beans, to blab
Não aguento guardar segredo, vou dar com a língua nos dentes! (I can't keep a secret, I'm going to spill the beans!)
informal"estar com a faca e o queijo na mão"
to have everything needed to succeed
Com todos os recursos, eles estão com a faca e o queijo na mão para vencer. (With all the resources, they have everything needed to succeed.)
neutral"ficar de olho"
to keep an eye on, to watch out for
Fique de olho nas crianças enquanto eu faço o jantar. (Keep an eye on the kids while I make dinner.)
neutral"meter os pés pelas mãos"
to make a mess of things, to blunder
Ele meteu os pés pelas mãos na apresentação e estragou tudo. (He made a mess of things in the presentation and ruined everything.)
informal"não ter papas na língua"
to be outspoken, to speak one's mind
Ela não tem papas na língua, sempre diz o que pensa. (She's outspoken, she always says what she thinks.)
neutral"pão-duro"
stingy, cheap (person)
Meu avô é um pão-duro, nunca gasta dinheiro em bobagens. (My grandfather is stingy, he never spends money on silly things.)
informal"quebrar um galho"
to do a favor, to help out
Você pode quebrar um galho e me ajudar com esta tarefa? (Can you do me a favor and help me with this task?)
informal"sem pé nem cabeça"
senseless, illogical, without rhyme or reason
Essa história que ele contou é sem pé nem cabeça. (This story he told is senseless.)
neutral"tirar o cavalo da chuva"
to give up on something, to forget about it
Se você acha que vou te emprestar dinheiro, pode tirar o cavalo da chuva! (If you think I'm going to lend you money, you can forget about it!)
informalSentence Patterns
Eu estou em busca de [noun].
Eu estou em busca de um café.
Eles/Elas estão em busca de [noun].
Eles estão em busca de uma casa.
Nós fomos em busca de [noun/plural noun].
Nós fomos em busca de respostas.
[Subject] está em busca de [abstract noun].
Ela está em busca da verdade.
A [group] está em busca de [goal].
A equipe está em busca da vitória.
Tips
Literal Translation
Think of "em busca de" as literally meaning 'in search of'. This helps solidify its meaning.
Synonym Connection
It's very similar to 'procurando' (looking for). You can often use them interchangeably, though "em busca de" can sound a bit more formal or deliberate.
Preposition 'de'
Always remember the preposition 'de' after 'busca'. You are 'em busca de something'.
Use with Verbs
It can be used with a noun or an infinitive verb. For example, 'Em busca de um novo emprego' (In search of a new job) or 'Em busca de aprender' (In search of learning).
Don't Omit 'de'
A common mistake is to omit 'de'. Always include it. You wouldn't say 'em busca um emprego'.
Contextual Examples
Try to create your own sentences. For instance, 'Estou em busca de um bom livro.' (I am in search of a good book.)
Formal vs. Informal
While versatile, "em busca de" can sound slightly more formal than just 'procurando'. Be aware of this nuance in your conversations.
Practice Pronunciation
Pay attention to the pronunciation of 'busca' (BOOS-kah). The 'u' sounds like 'oo' in 'moon'.
Figurative Use
It can also be used figuratively. 'Ele está em busca da felicidade.' (He is in search of happiness.)
Flashcards
Add "em busca de" to your flashcards with example sentences to help with memorization and recall.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsWhile both mean 'looking for' or 'in search of,' 'procurar' is a verb meaning 'to look for' or 'to search,' often for a physical object or information. 'Em busca de' is a phrase that implies a more abstract or sustained search, often for something like a goal, a solution, or a feeling.
Example:
- Eu procuro minhas chaves. (I'm looking for my keys.)
- Ele está em busca de felicidade. (He is in search of happiness.)
Yes, you can. It means you are looking for a specific person or a type of person, often with a particular purpose.
Example:
- Ela está em busca de um novo parceiro. (She is in search of a new partner.)
- Estamos em busca de voluntários. (We are in search of volunteers.)
'Em busca de' is generally more formal than 'procurar.' It's common in written language, speeches, or more serious conversations. You wouldn't typically use it in casual, everyday chat with close friends for something simple like 'I'm looking for my phone.'
You use 'em busca de' followed by the noun or noun phrase you are searching for.
Structure: Subject + verb (often 'estar') + 'em busca de' + noun.
Example:
- A empresa está em busca de novas ideias. (The company is in search of new ideas.)
- Muitos jovens estão em busca de uma oportunidade. (Many young people are in search of an opportunity.)
While not always direct synonyms in every context, some phrases convey a similar meaning depending on the nuance. You could sometimes use 'à procura de' (also 'looking for,' but more interchangeable with 'procurar') or 'buscando' (the gerund of 'buscar,' meaning 'searching'). However, 'em busca de' often carries a stronger sense of purpose or a more extended search.
Example:
- Ele está à procura de um emprego. (He is looking for a job.) - Similar to 'Em busca de um emprego.'
Not necessarily, but it often implies a search that requires some effort, time, or dedication, rather than just casually looking for something. It can be for something challenging to find, but it can also be for a goal that simply requires sustained effort.
No, 'em busca de' is always followed by a noun or a noun phrase. If you want to express searching for an action, you would typically rephrase it using a nominalized verb (e.g., 'em busca de soluções' instead of 'em busca de resolver').
Incorrect: Estou em busca de viajar.
Correct: Estou em busca de viagens. (I'm in search of trips/travel.)
No, 'em busca de' is an fixed expression and does not change. The word 'busca' is feminine, but the entire phrase remains 'em busca de' regardless of the gender or number of the object being sought.
Example:
- Em busca de paz. (In search of peace.)
- Em busca de novas tecnologias. (In search of new technologies.)
'Em busca de' literally translates to 'in search of.' 'Busca' means 'search' or 'quest.' The 'em' is a preposition meaning 'in,' and 'de' is a preposition meaning 'of.' It's a very straightforward and descriptive phrase.
It is common and understood in both Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese. It's a standard expression that you'll encounter across different Portuguese-speaking regions.
Test Yourself 54 questions
You are looking for your keys. How would you say this in Portuguese?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eu estou em busca das minhas chaves.
Your friend is looking for a new job. How would you describe this in Portuguese?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ele está em busca de um novo emprego.
You want to say that someone is 'in search of happiness'. How do you write this in Portuguese?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eles estão em busca de felicidade.
What is Ana looking for?
Read this passage:
Ana vai à loja. Ela está em busca de um vestido azul. Ela gosta de vestidos coloridos. Ela precisa do vestido para uma festa.
What is Ana looking for?
The passage says 'Ela está em busca de um vestido azul.' (She is in search of a blue dress.)
The passage says 'Ela está em busca de um vestido azul.' (She is in search of a blue dress.)
What is João doing in the park?
Read this passage:
João está no parque. Ele está em busca de seu cachorro. O cachorro é pequeno e branco. João chama o nome dele.
What is João doing in the park?
The passage states 'Ele está em busca de seu cachorro.' (He is in search of his dog.)
The passage states 'Ele está em busca de seu cachorro.' (He is in search of his dog.)
What is Maria looking for at the supermarket?
Read this passage:
Maria vai ao supermercado. Ela está em busca de frutas frescas. Ela quer maçãs e bananas. As frutas são para o café da manhã.
What is Maria looking for at the supermarket?
The passage says 'Ela está em busca de frutas frescas.' (She is in search of fresh fruits.)
The passage says 'Ela está em busca de frutas frescas.' (She is in search of fresh fruits.)
This sentence means 'I am in search of a book.' The correct order starts with the subject 'Estou' (I am), followed by the phrase 'em busca de' (in search of), and then the object 'um livro' (a book).
This sentence means 'He is looking for a new car.' The subject 'Ele' (He) comes first, followed by the verb 'está' (is), then the phrase 'em busca de' (looking for), and finally the object 'um carro novo' (a new car).
This sentence means 'We are in search of a good restaurant.' Start with the subject 'Nós' (We), then the verb 'estamos' (are), followed by 'em busca de' (in search of), and the object 'um bom restaurante' (a good restaurant).
Ele está ___ um bom emprego em Portugal. (He is in search of a good job in Portugal.)
The correct idiom is 'em busca de'.
Nós estamos ___ mais informações sobre o curso. (We are looking for more information about the course.)
The correct idiom is 'em busca de'.
Ela saiu ___ aventuras na floresta. (She went out in search of adventures in the forest.)
The correct idiom is 'em busca de'.
Eu estou ___ um novo livro para ler. (I am looking for a new book to read.)
The correct idiom is 'em busca de'.
Eles estão ___ uma solução para o problema. (They are in search of a solution to the problem.)
The correct idiom is 'em busca de'.
Você está ___ alguma coisa? (Are you looking for something?)
The correct idiom is 'em busca de'.
Choose the best translation for 'em busca de': Estou em busca de um bom livro para ler.
'Em busca de' translates directly to 'in search of' or 'looking for'.
Which phrase is synonymous with 'em busca de'?
'Procurando por' also means 'looking for' and is a common synonym.
Complete the sentence: 'Ela está ___ um novo emprego.'
The sentence means 'She is looking for a new job.' 'Em busca de' fits this meaning.
The phrase 'em busca de' can be used to express searching for something.
'Em busca de' literally means 'in search of', which is used to express searching.
If someone says 'Estou em busca de paz', they are saying they have found peace.
'Em busca de' means they are 'in search of' or 'looking for' peace, not that they have found it.
'Em busca de' can be replaced by 'encontrando' without changing the meaning.
'Em busca de' means 'looking for', while 'encontrando' means 'finding'. These have opposite meanings.
Listen for 'em busca de' and understand what the person is looking for.
Pay attention to what 'eles' are 'em busca de'.
Try to catch the phrase 'em busca da verdade'.
Read this aloud:
Você está em busca de algo específico hoje?
Focus: específico
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Eu estou em busca de uma cafeteria tranquila para estudar.
Focus: tranquila
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Eles estão em busca de aventura na floresta amazônica.
Focus: aventura, amazônica
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'He is in search of a book.'
This sentence means 'We are in search of happiness.'
This sentence means 'She goes in search of her dreams.'
Choose the best translation for 'em busca de':
The phrase 'em busca de' directly translates to 'in search of' or 'looking for'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'em busca de'?
The phrase 'em busca de' is followed by a noun or a noun phrase, indicating what someone is looking for. 'Um novo emprego' (a new job) is a suitable noun phrase.
Complete the sentence: 'A polícia está ______ informações sobre o caso.'
'Em busca de' is the most natural and common way to express 'in search of' in this context.
The phrase 'em busca de' can be used to mean 'on the hunt for'.
'On the hunt for' is a good synonym for 'in search of' or 'looking for', making this statement true.
You can use 'em busca de' with a verb in the infinitive.
'Em busca de' is followed by a noun or a noun phrase, not a verb in the infinitive. For example, you wouldn't say 'em busca de comer' (in search of to eat).
If you are 'em busca de' something, it means you have already found it.
'Em busca de' implies an ongoing action of searching, meaning the item has not yet been found.
They are looking for new job opportunities.
The detective was in search of clues to solve the case.
Many young people are looking for a better life in the big city.
Read this aloud:
Eu estou em busca de um bom café para começar o dia.
Focus: busca
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Estamos em busca de uma solução inovadora para este problema.
Focus: inovadora
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
O explorador partiu em busca de um tesouro escondido.
Focus: tesouro escondido
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Após anos de pesquisa, a cientista estava ___ de uma cura para a doença.
A frase indica que a cientista estava procurando ativamente por uma cura, o que corresponde ao significado de 'em busca de'.
Os detetives trabalharam incansavelmente, ___ pistas que pudessem desvendar o mistério.
'Em busca de' é a expressão correta para indicar que os detetives estavam procurando por pistas.
Muitas pessoas viajam o mundo ___ novas experiências culturais e autoconhecimento.
A expressão 'em busca de' se encaixa perfeitamente para descrever a procura por novas experiências e autoconhecimento.
A expressão 'em busca de' sempre implica uma procura por algo tangível e físico.
Não, 'em busca de' pode se referir à procura por conceitos abstratos como autoconhecimento, felicidade ou paz, além de coisas tangíveis.
Usar 'em busca de' na frase 'Ele está em busca de um novo emprego' significa que ele está ativamente procurando por uma nova posição.
Sim, a frase indica que ele está procurando ativamente por um novo emprego.
A frase 'Em busca de paz, ele viajou para as montanhas' sugere que a pessoa encontrou paz imediatamente após viajar.
Não, a frase indica que ele está procurando por paz nas montanhas, não que ele a encontrou instantaneamente.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Literal Translation
Think of "em busca de" as literally meaning 'in search of'. This helps solidify its meaning.
Synonym Connection
It's very similar to 'procurando' (looking for). You can often use them interchangeably, though "em busca de" can sound a bit more formal or deliberate.
Preposition 'de'
Always remember the preposition 'de' after 'busca'. You are 'em busca de something'.
Use with Verbs
It can be used with a noun or an infinitive verb. For example, 'Em busca de um novo emprego' (In search of a new job) or 'Em busca de aprender' (In search of learning).
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More nature words
à beira
B1On the edge or brink of.
à beira de
B1On the edge of; almost in a state of.
à distância
A2At a far point in space or time.
a favor de
B1In favor of; supporting.
à sombra
A2In an area of darkness or coolness caused by the blocking of direct sunlight.
à volta
A2Around; in the vicinity.
abanar
A2To wave or swing back and forth, like an animal's tail; to wag.
abater
B1To cut down (a tree); to kill (an animal).
Abelha
A2Bee; a stinging winged insect that produces honey.
abeto
A2An evergreen coniferous tree, typically with flat needles.
