trouver

Senses

1. 1.

   to find

   to discover or locate something that was lost or sought

2. 2.

   to find (by chance)

   to come across or encounter something unexpectedly

3. 3.

   to think, to find (an opinion)

   to have or express an opinion about something; to judge or consider

4. 4.

   to find oneself (location)

   to be located or positioned (reflexive: se trouver)

Examples

• "J'ai trouvé mes clés dans le canapé."

  I found my keys on the couch.

• "Je trouve que ce film est ennuyeux."

  I think that this film is boring.

• "Paris se trouve en France."

  Paris is located in France.

Usage

One of the most common French verbs. Note the construction "trouver + adjective/noun" to express opinions (Je trouve ça intéressant = I find it interesting). The reflexive form "se trouver" means both "to be located" and "to find oneself" (in a situation). Avoid confusion with "chercher" (to look for/seek).