Meaning

Primary

To Request Something

Alternatives

To Want Something, To Demand Something

Word Type

transitive verb, ichidan verb

Explanation

What's the verb form of request? It's to request something. It can also be to want something or even to demand something. You must

求める means actively trying to obtain something, whether it's a thing, an answer, help, or even an ideal. The translation will change depending on context: アドバイスを求める (request advice), 助けを求める (ask for help), and 答えを求める (seek an answer) are all possible uses.

Reading

もとめる
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This word has kanji with hiragana attached, so you can guess it'll use a kun'yomi reading. Here's a mnemonic to help you remember it:

You're going to request something, but what is it? It's a moat (もと). A moat around your house. In fact, you're going to demand one. Your neighbor's cats keep pooping on your lawn, but if you had a moat they wouldn't be able to get to your lawn in the first place, since cats hate water (and alligators). You demand a moat, damn it!

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 国に求める

    to ask the government

    日本に求める

    to want something from Japan

    相手に求める

    to want something from a partner, to ask a partner for something

Context Sentences

社長交代を求めるメールを送りました。

I sent an email asking for the replacement of the company president.

父は、いつも新しいビジネスアイディアを求めている。

My father is always looking for a new business idea.

漢字を学ぶためのツールを求めるお客さんには、このワニカニってアプリをオススメしてるよ。

For customers seeking a tool for learning kanji, I recommend this app called WaniKani.

今日だけで返金を求める電話が二十回ありました。

We had twenty calls asking for a refund just today.

Kanji Composition