English–Japanese
“ask for” in Japanese
Japanese
Pronunciation
Romajimotomeru
Example
人は幸せを求めます。hito wa shiawa se o moto me ma su
People want happiness.
How to say “ask for” in Japanese
“Ask for” in Japanese is 求める (motomeru). 求める can also mean “want”.
Expresses directing desire or effort toward something one hopes to obtain or achieve.
Example sentences with 求める
分からないとき、先生に助けを求めます。wa ka ra na i to ki sen sei ni tasu ke o moto me ma su
When I do not understand, I ask my teacher for help.
彼は新しい仕事を求めています。kare wa atara shi i shi goto o moto me te i ma su
He is seeking a new job.
Tips for using 求める
- In formal Japanese, 求める (motomeru) often takes abstract nouns such as 幸せ (shiawase), so it can describe seeking a quality or state as well as wanting an object.