Can the Spanish word cazar be used in place of buscar or is it solely for hunting animals?

You are right! "Cazar" is primarily used for hunting animals. It's not generally used as a synonym for "buscar" (to look for, to search for).

Here's why:

* "Cazar" implies actively pursuing and capturing a prey, typically an animal. It suggests a more forceful and specific action than "buscar."

* "Buscar" has a broader meaning and can be used for searching for anything: a lost item, a specific book, information, etc. It doesn't necessarily involve any physical chase or capture.

However, there are a few situations where "cazar" might be used in a figurative sense:

* "Cazar un sueño" (to chase a dream)

* "Cazar una oportunidad" (to seize an opportunity)

But even in these cases, the meaning still relates to actively pursuing and capturing something, albeit in a metaphorical way.

Therefore, it's best to stick to "buscar" when you want to express the general meaning of "to search for," and use "cazar" only when referring to hunting animals or in specific figurative contexts.