要
要·need, essential
- On-yomi
- ヨウ
- Kun-yomi
- いるかなめ
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 必要 | ひつよう | necessary, need |
| 重要 | じゅうよう | important |
| 要る | いる | to be needed |
| 要点 | ようてん | the main point |
Example sentences
パスポートが必要です。
ぱすぽーとがひつようです。
You need a passport.
これはとても重要な問題です。
これはとてもじゅうようなもんだいです。
This is a very important issue.
お金はあまり要りません。
おかねはあまりいりません。
I don't need much money.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- 要る is a う-verb: 要ります, 要らない — never *要ます
- 必要 is used with が (お金が必要です), not を
Memory aid
Picture it
A woman (女) with hands at her waist (襾) — the waist is the essential part that holds you up.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 要 mean?