Quick answer
要 is the kanji for "Need". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is い.る (iru). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Need
Also : Pivot · Key to · Essence · Main point
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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
9 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 要 represents 'NEED'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of need.
On-reading: よう — remember this sound by associating it with need. Kun-reading: い.る.
Example Sentences
重要な書類を提出しました。
じゅうようなしょるいをていしゅつしました。
I submitted important documents.
必要なものをリストにしました。
ひつようなものをりすとにしました。
I made a list of necessary items.
Vocabulary using 要
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 11, 2026
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