Need in Japanese
"need" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
3 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "need". 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 "need"
need
ju
Composed of rain and beard. Waiting for rain and needing.
need not(also: settle (debt, etc.), relieve (burden), finish)
sai
Composed of water and equal. Making water equal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for need?
The most common kanji for "need" is 要, read as you. It means need, main point, essence. Related kanji: 需 (need), 済 (need not).
How many strokes does 要 have?
要 has 9 strokes.