Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Search" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "search", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
探す
さがす (sagasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
探る
さぐる (saguru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "search" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 探す and 探る.
In Japanese, 探す (さがす (sagasu)) is typically associated with "to search for, to look for" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. Implies an active effort to find something or someone. 見つからないものを求めて、あちこち調べる。.
On the other hand, 探る (さぐる (saguru)) maps to "to search (for), to probe, to explore, to feel around for, to grope" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Implies a cautious, investigative, or indirect search, often involving feeling with hands, or subtly trying to find information, a path, or someone's intentions.. A literal translation of "search" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "探す"
なくした指輪を一日中探しました。
I searched for the lost ring all day.
Bilingual Context for "探る"
暗闇で手探りでスイッチを探った。
I groped for the switch in the dark.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "なくした指輪を一日中探しました。" (Meaning: "I searched for the lost ring all day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "探す" fits here because it means "to search for, to look for" in the context of: "I searched for the lost ring all day.". "探る" represents "to search (for), to probe, to explore, to feel around for, to grope".