探す

• Reading: さがす
• Romaji: sagasu
• Kanji breakdown: 探 (tan/saga) — search, look for; hand radical (扌) + 罙 (deep)
• Pronunciation: /sa.ɡa.sɯ/

Meaning

To search for; to look for. Used when actively trying to find something or someone.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the す row (探さない, 探します, 探した). Covers a wide range of searching — from looking for lost keys to job hunting (仕事を探す). Often used with the particle を to mark what is being sought.

Examples

1. 鍵をどこでも探しました。 I searched everywhere for my keys.
2. 新しいアパートを探しています。 I'm looking for a new apartment.
3. 友達を探したけど見つからなかった。 I looked for my friend but couldn't find them.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, work, travel

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 探 combines the hand radical (扌) with 罙 (deep), evoking the image of reaching deep with one's hand to find something — searching thoroughly.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal