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JLPT N19画 · 9 strokesradical 襾grade 4freq #106

need, main point, essence, pivot

Also: key to

On'yomi (音読み)

  • ヨウ

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • い.る
  • かなめ

Mnemonic

To build a strong structure, you need the main point—like the essential pivot where all the inner beams cross, supported by wide roofs.

About this kanji

The kanji 要 has several meanings, with its primary meanings being 'need' and 'main point.' It is mostly used as a noun but can also be part of verbs. In compounds, you will frequently see it in words like 主要 (しゅよう), meaning 'chief' or 'main,' and 需要 (じゅよう), which translates to 'demand.' Another important compound is 重要 (じゅうよう), meaning 'important.' We also use 要 in the word 必要 (ひつよう), which means 'necessary.' A quick note: 要 can be pronounced as い.る when used in certain contexts, contributing to its versatility in the language.

Example sentences

  • その情報が必要です。

    I need that information.

Meanings across languages

English
need, main point, essence, pivot, key to
Tiếng Việt
cần, ý chính, tinh túy, trọng yếu, chìa khóa đến
日本語
要る, 要点, 重要
한국어
필요하다, 주요 사항, 본질
中文
需要, 要点, 关键
id
perlu, titik utama, esensi, pivot, kunci untuk
th
ความต้องการ, จุดหลัก, สาระสำคัญ, จุดหมุน, กุญแจสู่
es
necesidad, punto principal, esencia, pivote, clave de
fr
besoin, point central, essence, pivot, clé de
de
Bedarf, Hauptpunkt, Essenz, Pivot, Schlüssel zu
pt
necessidade, ponto-chave, essência, pivô, chave para

Common compounds

  • 主要しゅようchief, main, principal
  • 需要じゅようdemand, need, demand
  • 重要じゅうようimportant, essential, significant
  • 必要ひつようnecessary, needed, essential
  • 要員よういん(necessary) personnel, required person
  • 要因よういんmain cause, primary factor
  • 要求ようきゅうdemand, firm request, requisition
  • 要件ようけんimportant matter, requirement, requisite

Want to actually learn this kanji?

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