I'm looking for
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直訳: I am (subject) looking (watching/searching) for (towards a goal)
Use this phrase whenever you are searching for something and want to tell others your goal.
15秒でわかる
- Use it to tell people what you are trying to find.
- Works for physical objects, people, or even abstract ideas.
- It is the standard polite way to ask for help searching.
意味
You say this when you are trying to find something or someone. It is like telling people what your goal is while you are searching.
主な例文
3 / 6At a clothing store
I'm looking for a blue shirt in medium.
I am searching for a blue shirt in medium.
At home with a partner
I'm looking for the TV remote; have you seen it?
I am trying to find the TV remote.
At a party
I'm looking for Sarah, is she here yet?
I am trying to find Sarah.
文化的背景
This phrase is the universal 'retail signal' in Western culture. When you walk into a shop, saying this phrase immediately tells the staff you are a serious customer with a specific goal. It bridges the gap between being a 'browser' and a 'buyer'.
The 'Help Me' Signal
If you look confused in a store, just say `I'm looking for...` and the staff will immediately stop what they are doing to help you.
Don't forget the 'For'
If you say `I'm looking my keys`, it sounds like you are watching them. Always include `for` to show you are searching!
15秒でわかる
- Use it to tell people what you are trying to find.
- Works for physical objects, people, or even abstract ideas.
- It is the standard polite way to ask for help searching.
What It Means
I'm looking for is your go-to phrase for searching. It means you are currently trying to find a specific object, person, or even an idea. Think of it as your verbal 'search' button. It is active and happening right now.
How To Use It
Simply follow the phrase with the thing you need. You can say I'm looking for my keys or I'm looking for a friend. It works with physical items and abstract things. You do not need to change the grammar much. Just add the noun at the end. It is one of the most flexible tools in your English kit.
When To Use It
Use it when you enter a store and a clerk asks if you need help. Use it at home when you lose your remote for the tenth time. It is perfect for professional settings too. You might say I'm looking for a solution to this problem in a meeting. It sounds proactive and focused.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you have already found the item. Also, avoid it if you are staring directly at the thing. That would be a bit creepy! If you are researching a deep academic topic, I am researching sounds better. For a lost person in an emergency, I am searching for sounds more urgent and serious.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, people value independence but appreciate clear requests. Using I'm looking for is a polite way to signal you need help without being demanding. It is the standard 'icebreaker' in retail therapy. It shows you have a purpose and a goal. It is the polite way to start a conversation with a stranger in a shop.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, you might say I'm hunting for. If you are in a rush, you might just say Looking for.... In a very formal setting, you could say I am seeking. But honestly, I'm looking for works 99% of the time. It is the 'white t-shirt' of English phrases—it fits everywhere.
使い方のコツ
This is a neutral, everyday phrase. It is almost impossible to use it incorrectly as long as you remember the word `for`.
The 'Help Me' Signal
If you look confused in a store, just say `I'm looking for...` and the staff will immediately stop what they are doing to help you.
Don't forget the 'For'
If you say `I'm looking my keys`, it sounds like you are watching them. Always include `for` to show you are searching!
The Polite Softener
Add `just` to sound less demanding: `I'm just looking for the restroom.` It makes you sound very polite and relaxed.
例文
6I'm looking for a blue shirt in medium.
I am searching for a blue shirt in medium.
This helps the shop assistant find exactly what you need.
I'm looking for the TV remote; have you seen it?
I am trying to find the TV remote.
A very common daily frustration in every household.
I'm looking for Sarah, is she here yet?
I am trying to find Sarah.
Used to find a specific person in a crowd.
I'm looking for a role where I can grow my skills.
I am seeking a position for growth.
Shows you are looking for an abstract opportunity.
I'm looking for the entrance to the park, but I'm lost!
I am trying to find the park entrance.
Expresses a bit of stress while searching for a location.
I'm looking for a reason to eat this whole cake.
I am searching for a justification to eat cake.
Using the phrase for a funny, non-physical search.
自分をテスト
Choose the best word to complete the sentence for someone at a library.
Excuse me, ___ looking for a book about history.
We use `I'm` (I am) because the action of looking is happening right now.
Complete the phrase used when searching for a person.
I'm looking ___ my brother. Have you seen him?
The preposition `for` is always used with `looking` when you are searching for something.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality of 'I'm looking for'
Used with friends for lost items.
Looking for my hat!
The standard way to use the phrase.
I'm looking for the bank.
Used in professional settings for goals.
I am looking for a new challenge.
Where to use 'I'm looking for'
At the Mall
I'm looking for new shoes.
At Work
I'm looking for the report.
On the Street
I'm looking for the bus stop.
Online
I'm looking for a good movie.
よくある質問
11 問It means you are trying to find something or someone. For example, I'm looking for my phone means you don't know where it is and you want to find it.
Yes! You can say I'm looking for my mom or I'm looking for the manager. It is very common.
Absolutely. It is a neutral phrase. You can say I'm looking for the latest data in a professional meeting.
Look for is more common and casual. Search sounds more intense, like a police officer looking for a criminal.
It is neutral. It is safe to use with your boss, your teacher, or your best friend.
Yes, you can say I'm looking for that email you sent or I'm looking for a funny video.
In that case, say I'm just looking. Do not add for if you don't have a specific item in mind.
Usually, we use it for the present. For the future, you would say I will look for it tomorrow.
This is a common way to say you want to change your life or job. It means you are seeking a new experience.
Use looking for with nouns (items/people). Use looking to with verbs, like I'm looking to buy a car.
It is better to say I am looking for because the search is happening right now. I look for sounds like a habit.
関連フレーズ
In search of
A more formal or poetic way to say you are looking for something.
Hunting for
An informal way to say you are searching very hard for something.
On the lookout for
Watching carefully to see if something or someone appears.
Scouting for
Searching an area to find the best option or person.
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