51
求
Request, Seek
もとめる (motomeru)
JLPT N3
Interesting Fact
The ancient form of 求 looked very different from the character we recognize today. It originally depicted a piece of fur or a fur garment, with markings representing the texture of the animal skin. Over time, the character was borrowed for the sound and came to represent the idea of seeking or requesting. Because its original meaning and modern meaning are so different, 求 is a great reminder that kanji don't always keep the meaning of the picture they originally came from.
Memory Trick
A person stretches his arms in every direction and says, “I seek everything”
Readings
Onyomi: キュウ (kyuu)
Kunyomi: もとめる (motomeru)
Example Words
求める
もとめる (motomeru)
To seek
要求
ようきゅう (youkyuu)
Request, demand
追求
ついきゅう (tsuikyuu)
Pursuit
Example Sentence
彼は新しい仕事を求めています。
かれ は あたらしい しごと を もとめて います。
kare wa atarashii shigoto o motomete imasu
He is looking for a new job.