Spanish Phrase
Búscalo en el diccionario.
Meaning
The phrase means ‘Look it up in the dictionary.’ It is a direct, helpful suggestion to consult a dictionary for a word’s meaning, spelling, or translation.
When to use
Use this sentence when someone asks for the meaning of a word, needs the correct spelling, or is trying to translate a term. It works in both formal classroom settings and casual conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Búscaloeneldiccionario
Imperative of buscar
The verb buscar forms the affirmative tú command as 'busca', and when combined with a direct object pronoun it becomes 'búscalo' (search it).
Enclitic pronoun
The pronoun 'lo' is attached to the end of the verb in affirmative commands, and the accent moves to maintain the original stress.
Preposition 'en'
Used to indicate location or place where an action takes place, here 'in the dictionary'.
Definite article agreement
'El' matches the masculine singular noun 'diccionario'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cómo se dice ‘apple’ en español?
How do you say ‘apple’ in Spanish?
Búscalo en el diccionario.
Look it up in the dictionary.
✕Common Mistakes
Buscarlo en el diccionario.
‘Buscarlo’ is the infinitive form, not a command. Use ‘Búscalo’ for the affirmative tú imperative.
Buscalo en el diccionario.
Missing the accent on the first syllable; the accent is required to keep the original stress after adding the pronoun.
Búscalo en la diccionario.
‘Diccionario’ is masculine, so the article must be ‘el’, not ‘la’.
↔Alternatives
Consúltalo en el diccionario.
Consult it in the dictionary.
Revisa el diccionario.
Check the dictionary.
Mira en el diccionario.
Look in the dictionary.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking classrooms, a physical dictionary is still a staple, so telling a peer ‘Búscalo en el diccionario’ feels natural and supportive. In digital contexts, you can replace ‘diccionario’ with ‘Google’ or ‘WordReference’, but the structure of the command stays the same. Remember that the accent on ‘búscalo’ is essential; without it the stress shifts and the word looks like the infinitive ‘buscarlo’, which is not a command.