Translation and Meaning of: 求める - motomeru

The Japanese word 「求める」 (motomeru) has a rich and interesting etymology. 「求」 is a kanji that conveys the idea of search or demand. This kanji itself is composed of the radical 「氺」, which refers to water, insinuating fluidity and movement, and the upper part that suggests the idea of responding to or fulfilling a need. In conjunction, 「求」 carries the meaning of seeking something desired or necessary.

"求める" is a verb that, depending on the context, can have different meanings related to the idea of seeking. Primarily, the word means "to search" or "to request". It can be used in situations where someone is looking for a physical object or seeking some form of information or help. It is also used in more abstract contexts, such as "to seek happiness" or "to aim for success".

The origin of the word dates back to the use of the kanji 「求」 in ancient Chinese, where it already carried the meaning of aspiration and will. Over time, the Japanese language incorporated this kanji, using it in the verb 「求める」 to convey a range of desires or needs, whether emotional, material, or intellectual. The Japanese language's ability to assign multiple meanings to a single verbal structure makes 「求める」 a versatile and frequently used word in everyday life.

"求める" is also apparently related to other words in the Japanese language that share the component "求", such as "要求" (youkyuu, demand) and "求婚" (kyuukon, marriage proposal), which broaden the understanding of the idea of search or deep desire. This network of semantic connections demonstrates how Japanese words often interrelate through their kanji, creating a rich tapestry of meanings that intertwine in daily use.

Vocabulary

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Verb conjugation of 求める

• 求める - Dichotomous form
• 求めた - past
• 求めている - Present Continuous
• 求めさせる - causative
• 求められる - ive

Synonyms and similar words

• 求める (motomeru) - To seek, to desire something with insistence.
• リクエストする (rikuwesuto suru) - Make a formal request or application.
• 要請する (yousei suru) - Request something officially or with authority.
• 請求する (seikyu suru) - Claim or request something that is owed, such as a payment.
• 述べる (noberu) - Expressing or declaring something, often related to describing desires or requests.
• 求む (motomu) - To seek or desire intensely, similar to 求める, but often used in more dramatic or urgent contexts.
• 望む (nozomu) - To wish or have aspirations, however, with a more hopeful tone.
• 懇願する (kongan suru) - To implore or fervently plead for something.
• 願う (negau) - To express a wish or hope, often in a more spiritual or internal way.
• 希望する (kibou suru) - To have hope or expectation regarding something, often used in an optimistic sense.