Japanese word

求める

Pronunciation

Romajimotomeru

Meaning

  • verbwant, ask for

Example

人は幸せを求めます。hito wa shiawa se o moto me ma su

People want happiness.

Illustration for 求める (want)

More examples

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.

Core concept

Expresses directing desire or effort toward something one hopes to obtain or achieve.

Common phrases

  • 助けを求めるtasu ke o moto me ru

    seek help

  • 答えを求めるkota e o moto me ru

    seek an answer

  • 許可を求めるkyo ka o moto me ru

    ask for permission

Similar words

望むnozomu: To want something that is viewed as desirable or hoped for.
願うnegau: To hope for or earnestly wish for something.

Definition in Japanese

必要なものや望ましいものを、手に入れたり実現したりしようとする。hitsu yō na mo no ya nozo ma shi i mo no o te ni i re ta ri jitsu gen shi ta ri shi yō to su ru

Word origin

求める (motomeru) is a native Japanese verb historically related to 求む (motomu), an older form meaning "to seek or ask for"; its uses developed from seeking something to desiring it.

Usage tips

  • 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.

Other meanings

  • seekverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 求めmotomedemandnoun
  • 求め方motomekataway of seekingnoun

Word lists with this word