(そうさく)

そうさく
noun
search; manhunt
See also: 創作(そうさく) (creative work)
1. search; manhunt; investigation
An organized effort to find a missing person, fugitive, or object. Often used in official or law enforcement contexts.
捜索(そうさく)活動(かつどう)(はじ)まった。
The search operation began.
警察(けいさつ)家宅(かたく)捜索(そうさく)(おこな)った。
The police conducted a house search.
行方(ゆくえ)不明者(ふめいしゃ)捜索(そうさく)三日間(みっかかん)(つづ)けられた。
The search for the missing person continued for three days.

捜索(そうさく) refers to an organized, systematic search — typically by authorities or groups. Used in law enforcement (searching for suspects, evidence) and disaster/rescue contexts (searching for missing persons).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 捜索(そうさく)活動(かつどう): search operation
  • 家宅(かたく)捜索(そうさく): house search/raid
  • 捜索(そうさく)(ねがい): missing person report
  • 捜索(そうさく)令状(れいじょう): search warrant
  • 捜索(そうさく)(たい): search party
  • 捜索(そうさく)範囲(はんい): search area

USAGE:
Used as a する verb: 捜索(そうさく)する. More formal and official than (さが)す (to look for), which is the everyday word.

HOMOPHONE:
Not to be confused with 創作(そうさく) (creative work) — same reading, completely different meaning and kanji.