Quick answer
求 is the kanji for "Want". Its reading is もと.める (motomeru). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Want
Also : Request · Demand · Require · Wish for
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
7 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 求 represents 'REQUEST'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of request.
On-reading: きゅう — remember this sound by associating it with request. Kun-reading: もと.める.
Example Sentences
いい職場環境を求めて、転職を決めた。
いいしょくばかんきょうをもとめて、てんしょくをきめた。
Seeking a better work environment, I decided to change jobs.
要求に応えることができました。
ようきゅうにこたえることができました。
I was able to meet the demands.
Vocabulary using 求
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
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