Essence in Japanese
"essence" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
4 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "essence". The most common choice is shown first.
Top pick
need, main point, essence, pivot, key to
Reading: you
9 strokes
Where it comes from
Combines 'cover' (西) with 'woman' (女), originally referring to the waist area. Extended from this vital body part to mean 'important' and 'necessary.'
What it carries
Symbolizes essence, importance, and indispensability. Represents the central, essential elements of matters.
Related kanji for "essence"
essence
zui
Composed of bone and phonetic. Inside bone.
essence
sui · nature, spiritual
Composed of rice and soldier. Pure rice.
essence
shuu · spiritual
Composed of roof and altar. House enshrining deity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for essence?
The most common kanji for "essence" is 要, read as you. It means need, main point, essence. Related kanji: 髄 (essence), 粋 (essence), 宗 (essence).
How many strokes does 要 have?
要 has 9 strokes.