探す

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 探す (さがす) is a transitive verb for seeking a desired object or suitable option. 探した is past search; 探している is ongoing.
• Basic usage: One person searches even under a desk for a lost key; another continues looking for a room to occupy in spring.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Search to recover a lost object and search for a suitable home
  • Both targets take を, but the key is a known missing object and the room is an as-yet-unselected candidate. Past and progressive aspect also differ.