Translation guide
The English verb 'find' covers discovering something lost, encountering something by chance, forming an opinion, and more. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions depending on the nuance.
To locate something you were looking for or that was missing.
The most common and general verb for finding something you were looking for. Transitive.
鍵を見つけた。
I found my keys.
彼は仕事を見つけた。
He found a job.
Intransitive; used when something is found (by someone) or turns up. The subject is the thing found.
鍵が見つかった。
The keys were found.
いいアパートが見つかった。
I found a good apartment. (lit. A good apartment was found.)
Formal, often used for discoveries (scientific, historical) or finding something significant.
新しい星が発見された。
A new star was discovered.
To come across something or someone unexpectedly.
To happen to see someone or something; to notice in passing.
駅で田中さんを見かけた。
I saw (found) Mr. Tanaka at the station.
この辺でよく猫を見かける。
I often see cats around here.
To run into someone or something, often with a nuance of unexpectedness or trouble.
Formal word for encountering, often used for accidents, disasters, or rare events.
登山中に吹雪に遭遇した。
We encountered a blizzard while climbing.
To discover that something is true or to have a particular feeling about something.
Used to express 'find that...' or 'realize that...'. Attach to a clause.
彼が嘘をついているとわかった。
I found that he was lying.
その仕事は思ったより難しいとわかった。
I found the job more difficult than I expected.
Literally 'think that...', often used to translate 'find' when expressing a personal opinion or impression.
この本は面白いと思う。
I find this book interesting.
彼の話は信じがたいと思った。
I found his story hard to believe.
To feel that...; emphasizes emotional or sensory impression.
彼女の態度を冷たく感じた。
I found her attitude cold.
To manage to get something, like time, money, or an opportunity.
Also used for finding abstract things like time or a way.
時間を見つけて運動しよう。
Let's find time to exercise.
解決策を見つけなければ。
We must find a solution.
To obtain, get hold of something desired.
To officially decide a verdict.
Formal legal expression: to hand down a verdict of...
裁判所は彼を有罪と判決を下した。
The court found him guilty.
To recognize/declare someone as...
陪審は被告を無罪と認めた。
The jury found the defendant not guilty.
見つける is transitive (I find something). 見つかる is intransitive (something is found). Use 見つける when you actively look for and find something. Use 見つかる when something turns up or is discovered, often without specifying who found it.
The loanword ファインド is not commonly used in natural Japanese. Stick to the verbs and patterns above.
帰り道でクマに出くわした。
I encountered a bear on the way home.
I finally found (got) a ticket.