Translation guide
The English verb 'seek' covers a range of meanings from actively searching for something to trying to obtain or achieve something. This guide organizes the most common and useful Japanese expressions by these meanings, focusing on natural, everyday usage.
To try to find something or someone, often a physical object or person.
The most common and general verb for 'look for' or 'search for'. Used for concrete objects, people, and abstract things like jobs or information.
鍵を探しています。
I'm looking for my keys.
新しい仕事を探している。
I'm seeking a new job.
Often written with this kanji when the nuance is 'searching for something lost or missing', like a missing person or lost item. In practice, 探す is more common in everyday writing.
警察が行方不明者を捜している。
The police are searching for the missing person.
A more intense or literary expression meaning 'to seek out' or 'to search for earnestly'. Implies a deeper, sometimes spiritual quest.
彼は人生の意味を探し求めている。
He is seeking the meaning of life.
To try to get or achieve something, such as advice, help, permission, or an abstract goal.
The standard verb for 'seek' in the sense of requesting, desiring, or pursuing something abstract. Commonly used with nouns like 助言 (advice), 援助 (assistance), 許可 (permission).
彼は弁護士に助言を求めた。
He sought advice from a lawyer.
私たちは平和を求めている。
We are seeking peace.
A common pattern meaning 'in search of' or 'seeking'. Often used in set phrases like 職を求めて (seeking employment).
彼は仕事を求めて東京に来た。
He came to Tokyo seeking work.
Means 'to pursue' in a more active, determined way. Often used for goals, ideals, happiness, or profit. Slightly more formal than 求める.
彼は幸福を追求している。
He is pursuing happiness.
A formal, somewhat old-fashioned verb meaning 'to ask for' or 'to seek' (e.g., forgiveness, permission). Rare in daily conversation.
彼は許しを請うた。
He sought forgiveness.
To try or attempt to do something, often with an effort.
A grammar pattern meaning 'try to do' or 'attempt to do'. Attach to the volitional form of a verb. Very common and natural.
彼は問題を解決しようとした。
He sought to solve the problem.
私たちは真実を見つけ出そうとしている。
We are seeking to find out the truth.
Means 'to endeavor' or 'to strive'. Used when making a conscious effort. Often followed by 〜ように努める.
To deliberately search for someone or something, often with the nuance of going out of one's way.
A compound verb meaning 'to find out' or 'to track down'. Emphasizes successfully locating something after searching.
彼の居場所を探し出した。
I sought out his whereabouts.
Means 'to visit' or 'to call on' someone. Can be used when 'seeking someone out' for advice or company.
English 'seek' is often used in formal or abstract contexts. In casual Japanese, simpler verbs like 探す (look for) or 〜ようとする (try to) are more natural. Using 求める in everyday conversation can sound stiff.
何を探してるの？
What are you looking for? (natural)
何を求めていますか？
What are you seeking? (overly formal)
探す is for concrete searching (objects, people, information). 求める is for abstract desires or requests (advice, peace, permission). Using 探す for abstract things can sound odd, and 求める for physical objects is usually too formal.
彼は時間通りに来るように努めた。
He sought to arrive on time.
彼は師を訪ねて助言を求めた。
He sought out his teacher for advice.