求める

• Reading: もとめる
• Romaji: motomeru
• Kanji breakdown: 求 (kyū/moto) — to seek, to request
• Pronunciation: /mo.to.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To seek; to request; to demand; to desire. Used when actively pursuing something wanted or needed.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb conjugated by dropping る. Has multiple nuances: to seek (幸せを求める), to request or demand (説明を求める), and to purchase (商品を求める, somewhat literary). More formal than 欲しい for expressing wants.

Examples

1. 彼女は会社にもっと良い条件を求めた。 She demanded better conditions from the company.
2. 幸せを求めて新しい街に引っ越した。 I moved to a new city in search of happiness.
3. 市民は政府に説明を求めている。 The citizens are demanding an explanation from the government.

Usage Guide

Context: business, news, formal speech

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From classical Japanese 求む (motomu). The kanji 求 originally depicted a hand reaching for fur or animal skin, symbolising the act of seeking.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal