trouver

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/tʁu.ve/

verbInf1stPres

find

locate

discover

come up with (an idea, excuse, solution)

Il faut trouver une solution rapidement.

We need to find a solution quickly.

Synonyms:dénicher, repérer, découvrir, dégoter

verbInf1stPres

think

consider

find (to be)

Il est difficile de trouver ça crédible.

It's hard to find that credible.

Synonyms:penser, estimer, juger

verbInf1stPres

be located

turn out to be

Cette gare semble se trouver à l'est du parc.

This station appears to be located east of the park.

Synonyms:se situer, être situé, se localiser

Notes

GENERAL INFO

Trouver is a verb meaning "to find" (something lost or sought). It can also mean "to think" or "to deem" (to have an opinion about something).

USAGE

Use it for physical discovery: "J'ai trouvé mes lunettes." (I found my glasses.)

It's also common for expressing an opinion: "Je trouve ce film excellent." (I find/think this film is excellent.)

CONJUGATION - 1st Group

Je trouve

Tu trouves

Il/elle/on trouve

Nous trouvons

Vous trouvez

Ils/elles trouvent

TRAPS

Be careful when translating "to find" in the sense of 'to encounter'. You'd use "rencontrer" for people ("I found my friend") or "tomber sur" for things.

Also, while "trouver que" expresses opinion, "penser que" is more about intellectual thought.