需求

• Pinyin: xū qiú
• Hanzi breakdown: 需 = 雨 (rain) + 而 (whiskers/and), originally meaning to wait for rain; 求 = pictograph of fur/garment, meaning to seek

Meaning

Demand; need; requirement. What is needed or wanted, especially in a market or social context.

A slightly formal noun frequently used in economic, business, and social contexts. Common phrases: 市场需求 (market demand), 满足需求 (meet demand/needs), 供求关系 (supply and demand relationship), 基本需求 (basic needs). More formal than 需要 when used as a noun.

Examples

1. 市场对这种产品的需求很大。 The market demand for this product is very high.
2. 公司要了解客户的需求。 The company needs to understand its customers' needs.
3. 人们对教育的需求越来越高。 People's demand for education is getting higher and higher.

Usage Guide

Context: business, economics, social

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 我们要满足客户的需求。(We need to meet our customers' needs.)
• 市场需求在不断变化。(Market demand is constantly changing.)

Don't Say

• 我对午饭的需求是吃面条。(Don't use 需求 for simple personal wants — it sounds overly formal. Say 我想吃面条 instead.)

Origin & History

需 means 'to need' or 'to require' and 求 means 'to seek' or 'to demand'. Together they describe something that is actively needed or sought after.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal