seek / request
N3- Onyomi
- キュウ
- Kunyomi
- もと(める)
- Stroke count
- 7
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 求 down and you get 氺 (water) — water gathering at the foot of the character, and beside it 丶 (dot) — a single dot marking the spot. Picture water falling from a rock ledge into the pool below it, put 求 inside it, and let that scene stand for "seek" — seek / request. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 7
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は7画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 7 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
求める
motomeru
to seek
追求
tsuikyuu
pursuit (of goals)
請求
seikyuu
billing
求めて
motomete
seek — te-form
求めます
motomemasu
seek — polite present
追求した
tsuikyuushita
plain past: did pursuit (of goals)
Example sentences (3)
会社は経験のある人を求めています。
かいしゃ は けいけん の ある ひと を もとめています。
kaisha wa keiken no aru hito o motometeimasu.
The company is looking for people with experience.
一人で悩まないで、助けを求めることも大切です。
ひとり で なやまないで、たすけ を もとめる こと も たいせつ です。
hitori de nayamanaide, tasuke o motomeru koto mo taisetsu desu.
Rather than worrying alone, asking for help is also important.
日本語ができる人材は、いろいろな会社から求められています。
にほんご が できる じんざい は、いろいろな かいしゃ から もとめられています。
nihongo ga dekiru jinzai wa, iroirona kaisha kara motomerareteimasu.
People who can speak Japanese are in demand at many companies.