Translation guide
The English word "found" has two main meanings: (1) the past tense of "find," meaning to discover or locate something, and (2) to establish or set up an organization, institution, or system. This guide covers both meanings, with natural Japanese equivalents and usage notes.
Expressing that someone discovered, located, or came across something (physical or abstract).
The most common verb for 'to find' something after searching or by chance. Past tense is 見つけた.
鍵を見つけた。
I found the key.
彼は新しい趣味を見つけた。
He found a new hobby.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be found' or 'to turn up.' Use when the subject is the thing found, not the person finding it.
なくした財布が見つかった。
The lost wallet was found.
More formal, often used for discoveries, scientific findings, or official reports.
研究者が新種の昆虫を発見した。
Researchers found a new species of insect.
Used mainly in negative form 見当たらない to mean 'cannot be found' or 'is nowhere to be seen.'
どこにも見当たらない。
It's nowhere to be found.
Expressing the act of creating or establishing an institution, system, or basis.
Standard verb for founding companies, organizations, schools, etc.
彼は新しい会社を設立した。
He founded a new company.
この大学は1920年に設立された。
This university was founded in 1920.
Similar to 設立する but often implies a pioneering or creative founding, used for institutions, systems, or awards.
彼女はその賞を創設した。
She founded the award.
Specifically used for founding a business or enterprise.
祖父がこの店を創業した。
My grandfather founded this shop.
Literally 'to build,' but can be used metaphorically for founding a nation, school of thought, etc.
Expressing that something is founded on a principle, fact, or idea.
Pattern meaning 'is based on' or 'is founded on.'
彼の理論は事実に基づいている。
His theory is founded on facts.
Literally 'rooted in,' used for deeply founded beliefs or traditions.
その習慣は地域の文化に根ざしている。
The custom is founded in the local culture.
These are completely different verbs in Japanese. Use 見つける for discovering and 設立する for establishing.
見つける is transitive (someone finds something), while 見つかる is intransitive (something is found). Choose based on what you want to emphasize.
いいレストランを見つけた。
I found a great restaurant.
彼女は2010年にその慈善団体を設立した。
She founded the charity in 2010.
He founded a new nation.