Do 見つかる and 見つけられる mean the same thing or what is the difference?

OK, this question does come from Reddit, but the following is my answer, so there is no copyright issue.

My Answer

※ 見つけられる is 見つける's passive form and potential form.

① 本が見つかった。（intransitive verb）

I found the book.→Emphasize the book. (I didn't look for it deliberately.)

② 本を見つけた。（transitive verb）

I found the book. →Emphasize the action of finding.

③ 本を見つけられた。（transitive verb's potential form）

I found the book.→Emphasize my ability. (I can find the book)

④ 本が見つけられた。（transitive verb's passive form）

I found the book.→Emphasize who/what found it.

※ 見つかられる is 見つかる's passive form. 見つかる has no potential form.

※ 見つかる has no potential form, so use 見つからない to mean it cannot be found.

If you don't understand intransitive verbs and transitive verbs, please check this:

https://www.livinginjapanasaforeigner.com/2022/08/the-confusing-part-of-japanese.html

And if you want to know why 見つからない can mean it cannot be found, Please check this URL:

https://www.livinginjapanasaforeigner.com/2022/07/the-hardest-part-of-japanese-volitional.html

So, what about "見つかられる"?

Well, it's basically not used.

It's bizarre. Because it is an intransitive word, it does not involve others.

I hardly see the Japanese use it like this.