need / essential
N3- Onyomi
- ヨウ
- Kunyomi
- い(る)・かなめ
- Stroke count
- 9
- 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 要 down and you get 覀 (west / cover) — an upturned basket sitting low, like the sun settling in the west, and beside it 女 (woman) — a figure kneeling with arms folded. Picture two hands holding the belt at the waist, the one part that must not let go, put 要 inside it, and let that scene stand for "need" — need / essential. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 9
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9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 9 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
重要
juuyou
important
主要
shuyou
main
必要
hitsuyou
necessary
要素
youso
element
要約
youyaku
summary
需要
juyou
demand
Example sentences (5)
重要なメールには、すぐに返事をします。
じゅうような めーる に は、すぐ に へんじ を します。
juuyouna meeru ni wa, sugu ni henji o shimasu.
I reply to important emails right away.
何が一番重要か、チームで話し合って決めました。
なに が いちばん じゅうよう か、ちーむ で はなしあって きめました。
nani ga ichiban juuyou ka, chiimu de hanashiatte kimemashita.
We discussed as a team and decided what is most important.
主要な駅にはコインロッカーがあります。
しゅような えき に は こいんろっかー が あります。
shuyouna eki ni wa koinrokkaa ga arimasu.
There are coin lockers at the main stations.
主要なメンバーが集まってから、会議を始めましょう。
しゅような めんばー が あつまって から、かいぎ を はじめましょう。
shuyouna menbaa ga atsumatte kara, kaigi o hajimemashou.
Let us start the meeting after the main members have gathered.
この書類が必要です。
この しょるい が ひつよう です。
kono shorui ga hitsuyou desu.
This document is necessary.