Meaning

Primary

To Need

Alternatives

To Be Needed, To Be Necessary

Word Type

intransitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

Because the hiragana ends with an sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means need and the verb vocab version is to need.

This one's a little tricky, because although it's usually translated as "to need" in English, it's used more like to be needed or to be necessary. That is, it's an intransitive verb in Japanese, so it doesn't take a direct object.

Reading

いる
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since the reading isn't like the one you learned, think about what you are going to need... like, what you're really going to need, more than anything. Then, think of an eagle, because you really need an eagle. You'll need to come up with the reason why you need an eagle though, so hopefully it's a good one.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 力が要る

    to need strength

    人が要る

    to need people

    お金が要る

    to need money

Context Sentences

考えるのに、もっと時間が要る。

I need more time to think.

ふくろは要りますか?

Do you need a bag?

これは要る物と要らない物のリストです。

This is a list of things you need and what you don't need.

Kanji Composition