Alex explains how to properly think about the word serĉi as well as the related words traserĉi, priserĉi, esplori, and reserĉi. He also reviews a new book of...
Common mistake is forgetting to mark a word through an accusative.
His point is that although the meaning is the same, the grammar is different. “Mi serĉas por pomo” means: “I’m searching for the sake of an apple”, if you want to say “I’m searching for an apple” you say “Mi serĉas pomo”. Alex recommends translating serĉi as “to seek”, so the grammar and the meaning fit.
OK checked PIV and it does in fact mean to search.
His point is that although the meaning is the same, the grammar is different. “Mi serĉas por pomo” means: “I’m searching for the sake of an apple”, if you want to say “I’m searching for an apple” you say “Mi serĉas pomo”. Alex recommends translating serĉi as “to seek”, so the grammar and the meaning fit.