Procurar vs. Buscar in Portuguese: Look for, Search, or Go Get
Procurar and buscar overlap when you search for something; buscar can also emphasize obtaining or going to get it.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Procurar commonly means to look for or search. You can procurar uma chave (look for a key), procurar um endereço (search for an address), or procurar informações (look for information). The verb can describe a search even when you have not found the target.
Use procurar to describe looking or searching for something
If you are asking for help, name the thing and where you are looking. This turns a broad statement into a useful request.
Estou procurando a estação de metrô.
I’m looking for the subway station.
Procurei a reserva no aplicativo, mas não encontrei.
I searched for the reservation in the app, but I didn’t find it.
Você está procurando alguém?
Are you looking for someone?
Use buscar when you go to get or obtain something
Buscar can also mean to seek or search, so the two verbs overlap. In everyday plans, buscar often emphasizes going to get a person or item: buscar as crianças na escola (pick up the children at school) or buscar um pacote (go get a package).
Do not treat this as a strict rule. For information or a missing object, both verbs may fit. Learn common combinations and use the full sentence to clarify whether you are searching or collecting something.
Vou buscar o pedido no balcão.
I’m going to pick up the order at the counter.
Meu amigo me buscou no aeroporto.
My friend picked me up at the airport.
Estamos buscando uma solução para o problema.
We are looking for a solution to the problem.
Put it into practice
Procurar and buscar both work for searching. Buscar often appears when someone goes to collect a person or item; use the context to make the action clear.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I’m going to pick up the order at the counter”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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