捜 expresses searching, particularly for someone or something missing. Learn its readings in complete words.
The idea
捜 has 10 strokes. 捜す is read さがす; 捜索 is read そうさく. In 捜索する, する turns the noun into a verb for conducting a search.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 捜す | さがす | search for |
| 捜索 | そうさく | search operation |
Examples
- 失くした鍵を捜しています。I am looking for my lost key.
- 警察が行方不明の子どもを捜しています。The police are searching for the missing child.
- 山での捜索が続いています。The search continues in the mountains.
- 私たちは手がかりを捜すために部屋を調べました。We searched the room for clues.
- 救助隊が海岸を捜索しました。The rescue team searched the coast.
- 夜に捜索を打ち切りました。They called off the search at night.
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Watch out
探す is also read さがす and is common for looking for things generally. 捜す often suggests searching for something missing; usage overlaps, so context matters.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 捜す in hiragana.
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さがす
捜す is さがす: the kana す is part of the word.
Write the reading of 捜索 in hiragana.
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そうさく
捜索 is そうさく; learn the compound together with its reading.
Choose the missing kanji: ＿索（そうさく）［捜／探］.
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捜
捜 completes 捜索, the noun for a search operation.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 捜す in hiragana.
Write the reading of 捜索 in hiragana.
Choose the missing kanji: ＿索（そうさく）［捜／探］.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write 捜 using the linked stroke diagram. Cover the table, read 捜す and 捜索, then make a sentence about a search.