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Conjugation Chart

“Buscar” (to look for) in the Imperfect Tense

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Understanding the Imperfect Tense of “Buscar”

The Imperfect Tense of buscar is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past, for example, Yo buscaba las llaves todos los días. (I was looking for the keys every day.)

Buscar is a regular -ar verb, so its Imperfect conjugations follow the typical pattern for that verb type.

How to Use Buscar in the Imperfect Tense

The imperfect tense of buscar is used to describe ongoing, repeated, or habitual actions in the past.

Searching or looking for something: Por ejemplo, buscaba las llaves en mi bolso (I was looking for the keys in my bag). This meaning is often used to describe the process of searching for something, rather than the result.

Trying to find or obtain something: Por ejemplo, buscaba un trabajo nuevo (I was looking for a new job). This usage implies an ongoing effort or attempt to find or get something.

Seeking or pursuing something: Por ejemplo, buscaba la felicidad (I was seeking happiness). This meaning suggests a more abstract or philosophical pursuit.

Investigating or researching: Por ejemplo, buscaba información sobre el tema (I was researching information about the topic). This usage refers to the process of gathering information or knowledge.

Colloquial usage: Buscaba bronca (I was looking for trouble, in a confrontational or provocative way). This idiomatic expression suggests intentionally seeking conflict or problems.

Real Life Examples of Buscar in the Imperfect Tense

Yo buscaba las llaves de mi coche por todas partes. (I was looking for my car keys everywhere.)

Ellos buscaban un restaurante abierto después de la medianoche. (They were looking for an open restaurant after midnight.)

Nosotros buscábamos un lugar tranquilo para relajarnos. (We were looking for a quiet place to relax.)

Tú buscabas trabajo sin descanso. (You were looking for a job tirelessly.)

Ella buscaba inspiración para su próxima novela. (She was looking for inspiration for her next novel.)

Vosotros buscabais un apartamento cerca del centro. (You were looking for an apartment near the city center.)

Ustedes buscaban un buen lugar para pasar las vacaciones. (You were looking for a good place to spend your vacation.)

Yo buscaba la manera de ahorrar dinero. (I was looking for ways to save money.)

Ellos buscaban un nuevo hobby para probar. (They were looking for a new hobby to try.)

Nosotros buscábamos un buen colegio para nuestros hijos. (We were looking for a good school for our children.)

Tú buscabas un nuevo desafío en tu carrera. (You were looking for a new challenge in your career.)

Ella buscaba un vestido perfecto para la boda. (She was looking for the perfect dress for the wedding.)

Vosotros buscabais un lugar tranquilo para estudiar. (You were looking for a quiet place to study.)

Ustedes buscaban un buen mecánico para arreglar el coche. (You were looking for a good mechanic to fix the car.)

Yo buscaba un nuevo pasatiempo para mantenerme ocupado. (I was looking for a new hobby to keep myself busy.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Buscar (to look for) in the Imperfect Tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Imperfect tense is also known as the Past Imperfect, Descriptive Past, Past Progressive, or Imperfect Indicative in English, and as Pretérito Imperfecto, Copretérito, Imperfecto de Indicativo, or Pasado Descriptivo in Spanish.