Buscar vs. encontrar
While related, the Spanish words buscar and encontrar have distinct meanings. Buscar refers to the action of looking for something, while encontrar refers to the result of finding it. They represent the process and the outcome, respectively.
Buscar
A1This word means to look for or to search for. It describes the process and effort of trying to locate someone or something, regardless of the outcome. It is the action of searching.
Estoy buscando mis gafas.
(I am looking for my glasses.)
La policía busca al sospechoso por toda la ciudad.
(The police are searching for the suspect all over the city.)
¿Qué buscas en internet?
(What are you searching for on the internet?)
Ella fue a la biblioteca a buscar un libro de historia.
(She went to the library to look for a history book.)
Siempre buscas una excusa para no hacer ejercicio.
(You are always looking for an excuse not to exercise.)
Encontrar
A1This word means to find. It signifies the successful result of a search. It can also mean to come across or to run into someone or something by chance, or to express an opinion about something (I find this...).
Finalmente encontré mis gafas debajo del sofá.
(I finally found my glasses under the sofa.)
Encontré un billete de diez dólares en la calle.
(I found a ten-dollar bill on the street.)
No encontré la información que necesitaba.
(I did not find the information I needed.)
Me encontré con mi antiguo profesor en el mercado.
(I ran into my old teacher at the market.)
Encuentro esta película muy interesante.
(I find this movie very interesting.)
Summary
In short, buscar is the action, and encontrar is the result. You buscar (look for) your lost keys, and when you see them, you encontrar (find) them. If you look for something but don't succeed, you can say, Busqué por todas partes, pero no lo encontré (I looked everywhere, but I didn't find it).