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B1 verb #1,000 most common 8 min read

求める

motomeru Top 1,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 求める in 30 Seconds

Explanation 求める in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'motomeru' often. You usually use 'hoshii' (want) or 'sagasu' (look for). However, you might see 'motomeru' in very simple signs or as part of the word 'kyuujin' (job search). Think of it as a 'big brother' to the word 'want'. While 'hoshii' is like a child saying 'I want candy,' 'motomeru' is like a person asking for something important. You might hear it in a store when a clerk is being very polite. For now, just remember that it means 'to ask for' or 'to look for' in a serious way. If you see it in a textbook, it's usually followed by 'wo' (the object). For example, 'tasuke wo motomeru' means 'to ask for help.' It's a bit more formal than 'tasukete!' (Help me!). At this stage, just recognize the kanji 求 and know it's about wanting or asking. You won't be expected to use it in conversation yet, but knowing it exists will help you understand formal announcements.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'motomeru' in more contexts, especially in reading and formal listening. You might encounter it in news snippets or simple stories. It's important to distinguish it from 'sagasu.' While 'sagasu' is for finding your lost bag, 'motomeru' is for things you can't touch, like 'advice' or 'peace.' You might also see it in the form 'o-motome ni naru' in department stores. This is a very polite way for staff to say 'buy.' If you are at a train station and hear an announcement asking for 'cooperation' (kyoukyoku), they will use 'motomemasu.' You should practice recognizing the pattern '[Noun] wo motomeru.' For example, 'adobaisu wo motomeru' (to ask for advice). It's a step up from 'tanomu' (to ask a favor). Use 'tanomu' with friends, but recognize 'motomeru' as the word used by organizations or in serious situations. Learning this word helps you sound more mature and understand the formal side of Japanese society.

At the B1 level (your current level), 'motomeru' becomes a key part of your vocabulary. You should be able to use it to describe abstract seeking and formal requests. This is the level where you move beyond physical needs to social and professional requirements. You will use it to talk about job hunting (kyuujin), seeking solutions to problems (kaiketsu wo motomeru), and what society expects from people. You should also be comfortable with the passive form 'motomerareru' (to be required/expected). For example, 'In this job, communication skills are required' (Kono shigoto de wa, komyunikeeshon nouryoku ga motomerareru). This is a very common way to describe job requirements or social norms. You should also understand its use in math or logic to mean 'to find a value' or 'to calculate.' When writing essays, 'motomeru' is a great word to use instead of 'hoshii' to sound more academic and objective. It shows you understand the difference between personal desire and formal pursuit.

At the B2 level, you should master the various nuances and collocations of 'motomeru.' You will use it in complex sentences to discuss social issues, legal demands, and philosophical ideas. You should be able to distinguish between 'motomeru' and its more specific synonyms like 'youkyuu suru' (to demand) or 'yousei suru' (to appeal/request officially). For instance, you might discuss how a labor union 'demands' (youkyuu) better pay, while the public 'seeks' (motomeru) better services. You will also encounter 'motomeru' in classical or high-level literature, where it describes the deep inner quests of characters. Your ability to use the 'stem' form 'motome' as a noun or a connector (e.g., 'kyaku no motome ni ojite' - in response to the customer's request) should be developing. At this level, you are expected to use 'motomeru' naturally in business emails when requesting information or cooperation from other companies. It marks you as a proficient speaker who can navigate the subtleties of Japanese 'keigo' and formal registers.

At the C1 level, 'motomeru' is used with precision in professional, legal, and academic discourse. You understand the subtle implications of using this verb over others. For example, in a legal context, 'motomeru' might refer to seeking damages or a court injunction. In a scientific paper, it refers to the derivation of a formula or the pursuit of a specific experimental result. You are also aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word, allowing you to appreciate its use in archaic or highly formal texts. You can use 'motomeru' to articulate complex social expectations and the pressures of the 'kenkyo' (humility) culture in Japan. You should be able to critique the use of the word in political speeches, identifying when it is used to soften a demand or to lend authority to a request. Your vocabulary includes related idioms and rare compounds. You can effortlessly switch between the 'purchasing' sense in high-end retail and the 'seeking' sense in a philosophical debate, maintaining the appropriate level of honorifics throughout.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'motomeru' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use the word to express the finest shades of meaning in literature, high-level business negotiations, and academic theory. You are comfortable with the most formal and rare iterations of the verb, including its use in 'bungo' (literary style) or specialized legal jargon. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'motomeru' in the context of Japanese aesthetics or Zen Buddhism—the idea of seeking without seeking. You are adept at using the word to manage complex interpersonal dynamics in a corporate boardroom, knowing exactly when a 'request' (motomeru) carries the weight of an ultimatum and when it is a genuine appeal for collaboration. Your writing is enriched by the sophisticated use of 'motomeru' in various grammatical structures, and you can explain its nuances to others with clarity and depth. You recognize the word's role in shaping the collective consciousness of Japanese society through its frequent use in the constitution, laws, and foundational cultural texts.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

求める in 30 Seconds

Motomeru means to seek, request, or demand. It is used for abstract goals and formal appeals.
It is more formal than 'hoshii' (want) and different from 'sagasu' (physical search).
Commonly used in news, job ads (kyuujin), and formal retail (o-motome).
Grammatically, it follows the '[Object] wo motomeru' or '[Person] ni [Object] wo motomeru' pattern.

The Japanese verb 求める (motomeru) is a versatile and essential word that bridges the gap between simple desire and formal request. At its core, it means 'to seek,' 'to request,' or 'to demand.' Unlike the more casual ほしい (hoshii), which expresses a personal want, or 探す (sagasu), which implies looking for a lost or hidden physical object, motomeru often deals with abstract concepts, formal requirements, or the act of appealing to someone for an action or item.

Abstract Seeking: Used when searching for non-physical things like peace, truth, or a solution. For example, 'seeking the truth' (真実を求める).
Formal Requesting: Common in business or official contexts to ask for help, advice, or participation. For example, 'requesting cooperation' (協力を求める).
Purchasing (Formal): In high-end retail or formal writing, it can mean 'to purchase' or 'to acquire' (お求めになる).

彼は平和を求めて旅に出た。
— He set out on a journey seeking peace.

Understanding the nuance of motomeru requires recognizing its weight. It is a 'strong' verb. When you use it, you aren't just wishing; you are actively pursuing or directing a request toward a specific target. In professional settings, if a manager motomeru a report, it isn't a suggestion—it is a requirement. In romantic or literary contexts, it describes a deep, soul-searching quest for a partner or an ideal.

署名を求める活動。
— Activities requesting signatures (a petition).

Historically, the kanji 求 (kyuu) depicts a person wearing fur clothing, originally signifying 'to search for' or 'to desire' warmth or comfort. Over centuries, this evolved into the modern Japanese verb motomeru. It appears in many compound words like 求人 (kyuujin - job offer/seeking people) and 要求 (youkyuu - demand). When you see this kanji, think of a hand reaching out for something necessary or highly desired.

Social Context: In Japanese society, 'motomeru' is often used to describe what society or a group expects from an individual. 'Society seeks innovation' (社会は革新を求めている).

助けを求める声が聞こえた。
— I heard a voice calling (seeking) for help.

In summary, use motomeru when the action involves a level of seriousness, formality, or abstraction. It is the word of philosophers, activists, job recruiters, and people in need of genuine assistance. It is more than a 'want'; it is a 'pursuit'.

Using 求める (motomeru) correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns, primarily the use of the particle を (wo) to mark the object being sought. Because it is a transitive verb (ta-doushi), it requires an actor seeking an object. However, the 'source' from whom you are seeking something is often marked with に (ni).

Basic Pattern: [Object] を求める: The most common usage. 'Seeking [Object]'. Example: 解決を求める (Seeking a solution).
Advanced Pattern: [Person] に [Object] を求める: Used when asking someone for something. Example: 先生にアドバイスを求める (Asking the teacher for advice).

彼は彼女に説明を求めた。
— He demanded/asked for an explanation from her.

The verb conjugates as a standard Ichidan (Group 2) verb. This makes it relatively simple to use in various tenses. For polite speech, use motomemasu. For the past tense, motometa. For the negative, motomenai. In very formal situations, such as department stores, you will often hear the honorific form o-motome ni naru.

こちらでお買い求めいただけます。
— You can purchase it here (Very formal).

Another frequent pattern is using the Te-form for requests: motomete-iru (is seeking). This describes a continuous state of searching or requiring. 'The company is currently seeking new staff' (会社は現在、新しいスタッフを求めている). This is more formal than saying they are 'looking for' (sagasu) staff.

Passive Form: 求められる (Motomerareru): Extremely common to describe what is 'required' or 'expected' of someone. 'Speed is required in this job' (この仕事には速さが求められる).

高い技術が求められる職種です。
— It is an occupation where high skill is required.

In literary contexts, you might see the 'stem' form motome used to connect sentences or as a noun-like structure. For example, 'In response to the request...' (求めに応じて...). This adds a sophisticated, written-style flair to your Japanese.

You will encounter 求める (motomeru) in a variety of professional and public settings. It is a 'high-frequency' word in media, law, and business, but it also appears in everyday life in specific contexts like shopping or community announcements.

The News & Journalism: News anchors often use it when reporting on political demands or public outcries. 'The protesters sought the resignation of the minister' (抗議者は大臣の辞任を求めた).
Job Advertisements: The term 求人 (kyuujin) literally means 'seeking people.' Job descriptions will list 'Required Skills' as 求められるスキル.
Customer Service: In department stores (depaato), staff use 'o-motome' to refer to your purchases. It sounds much more elegant than 'kau' (buy).

警察は目撃者に情報を求めている。
— The police are seeking information from witnesses.

In academic or scientific papers, motomeru is used when calculating values or seeking proofs. 'Find the value of X' is often phrased as 'Xの値を求めよ' (X no atai wo motomeyo). This imperative form 'motomeyo' is iconic in Japanese math textbooks.

理想の相手を求める婚活パーティー。
— A matchmaking party for seeking the ideal partner.

Public service announcements (PSAs) also use it. If there is a water shortage, the city might 'request' (motomeru) citizens to conserve water. This usage is polite but carries the authority of the local government. Similarly, during a fire drill, you might be 'required' to evacuate calmly.

Literature and Philosophy: Classic novels often use motomeru to describe the human condition—seeking meaning, seeking love, or seeking redemption. It is a very 'human' verb in this context.

幸福を求める権利。
— The right to seek happiness.

Whether you are reading a legal document, a job board, or a philosophical essay, motomeru is the word that signals a focused, intentional search or request. It is a cornerstone of formal Japanese communication.

While 求める (motomeru) is common, learners often trip up on its nuances compared to similar verbs. The most frequent error is using it for physical objects in casual settings.

Mistake 1: Motomeru vs. Sagasu: If you are looking for your smartphone, do NOT say 'Sumaho wo motomete-iru.' This sounds like you are on a spiritual quest for a phone. Use sagasu (探す) for physical searching.
Mistake 2: Motomeru vs. Hoshii: 'Hoshii' is an adjective expressing desire ('I want'). 'Motomeru' is an action ('I am requesting/seeking'). If you want a coffee, say 'Koohii ga hoshii.' If you are 'seeking' coffee in a formal procurement sense, only then use motomeru.

❌ トイレを求めています。
✅ トイレを探しています。
— Don't 'seek' the toilet like a lost soul; just 'look for' it.

Another mistake involves the 'purchasing' meaning. Beginners sometimes use motomeru to mean 'buy' in casual conversation with friends. This sounds incredibly stiff and unnatural. Stick to kau (買う) unless you are writing a formal business letter or working in a luxury store.

❌ 友達にペンを求めた。
✅ 友達にペンを借りた / 頼んだ。
— Don't 'request' a pen from a friend; just 'borrow' or 'ask' for it.

Lastly, be careful with the passive form motomerareru. While it means 'is required,' it can also mean 'was asked/demanded by someone.' Context is key. If a sentence says 'Kare wa setsumei wo motomerareta,' it means 'He was asked for an explanation' (likely by an authority figure).

Particle Confusion: Using kara instead of ni for the person you are asking. While kara is sometimes okay, ni is the standard for 'seeking from [person]'.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will use motomeru with the precision of a native speaker, reserving it for those moments that truly require a 'seeking' or 'requesting' action.

Japanese has many words for 'asking' or 'searching.' Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the nature of what is being sought. Here is how 求める (motomeru) compares to its cousins.

探す (Sagasu) vs. 求める: Sagasu: Physical objects (keys, a house, a person).
Motomeru: Abstract things (peace, truth, signatures).
頼む (Tanomu) vs. 求める: Tanomu: Casual/standard request ('Please do this').
Motomeru: Formal/official request or demand.
要求する (Youkyuu suru) vs. 求める: Youkyuu: A strong demand, often in labor disputes or legal settings. More forceful than motomeru.

真理を探究する (Tankyuu suru).
— To research/probe the truth (Academic/Scientific alternative).

In business, you might hear 要請する (Yousei suru). This is used for official 'appeals' or 'calls to action,' such as a government asking businesses to close early during an emergency. It is even more formal than motomeru.

協力を仰ぐ (Aogu).
— To look up to/ask for cooperation (Humble/Polite alternative).

For the 'buying' sense, the standard is 買う (Kau). In formal writing, 購入する (Kounyuu suru) is used. Motomeru (in its honorific form) is specifically for the customer-facing side of retail.

追求する (Tsuikyuu suru): Used for 'pursuing' a goal or an ideal (like happiness or profit). It implies a long-term, dedicated chase.

By learning these distinctions, you can navigate Japanese social situations with much greater sensitivity to tone and context. Motomeru remains the most versatile 'middle-ground' word for serious seeking and requesting.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 求 originally represented a person wearing fur (皮) to stay warm, which led to the meaning of 'desiring' or 'seeking' comfort.

Pronunciation Guide

UK mo-to-me-ru

US mo-to-me-ru

Flat (Heiban) accent in many dialects, though some regions may have a slight drop after 'to'.

Rhymes With

Todomeru Atatameru Mitsumeru Susumeru Yameru Kimeru Sameru Hajimeru

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r'.
Stressing the wrong syllable.
Making the 'o' sounds too long.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji is common but has many meanings.

Writing 3/5

The kanji 求 is simple to write.

Speaking 4/5

Hard to know when it's too formal for the situation.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but context matters for meaning.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

探す欲しい頼む買う人

Learn Next

要求要請追求請求勧告

Advanced

希求求刑求道心需要

Grammar to Know

Passive Form (～られる)

結果が求められる。

Honorifics (お～になる)

お求めになりますか？

Te-form for state (～ている)

平和を求めている。

Noun modification

求める答えが見つからない。

Stem form as noun

人々の求めに応じる。

Examples by Level

助けを求めます。

I ask for help.

Basic 'Object + wo + Verb' structure.

答えを求めます。

I look for the answer.

Used for abstract things like answers.

水を求めました。

I asked for water.

Past tense 'motometa'.

ペンを求めます。

I request a pen.

Formal request.

平和を求めます。

I seek peace.

Common abstract object.

アドバイスを求めます。

I ask for advice.

Katakana object.

出口を求めます。

I look for the exit.

Seeking a physical location (formal).

友を求めます。

I seek a friend.

Literary feel.

先生に助言を求めました。

I asked the teacher for advice.

Using 'ni' for the person being asked.

彼は自由を求めています。

He is seeking freedom.

Te-iru form for continuous state.

署名を求める活動に参加した。

I participated in an activity seeking signatures.

Modifying a noun (katsudou).

お求めはこちらです。

The purchase (area) is here.

Honorific 'o-motome'.

解決策を求める必要があります。

It is necessary to seek a solution.

Combined with 'hitsuyou ga aru'.

彼女は理解を求めた。

She sought understanding.

Abstract emotional object.

新しい仕事を求めています。

I am looking for a new job.

More formal than 'sagasu'.

情報を求める看板を見た。

I saw a sign seeking information.

Noun modification.

この仕事には忍耐が求められる。

Patience is required for this job.

Passive form 'motomerareru'.

彼は警察に説明を求められた。

He was asked for an explanation by the police.

Passive with agent 'ni'.

政府は国民に協力を求めた。

The government requested cooperation from the citizens.

Formal institutional request.

真実を求める心は大切だ。

A heart that seeks the truth is important.

Abstract philosophical usage.

お求めやすい価格で提供します。

We provide it at an affordable (easy to buy) price.

Honorific + 'yasui'.

彼は常に完璧を求めている。

He is always seeking perfection.

Describing a personality trait.

署名を求める運動が広がっている。

The movement seeking signatures is spreading.

Social context.

Xの値を求めなさい。

Find the value of X.

Imperative 'nasai' form used in education.

社会は常に革新を求めている。

Society is constantly seeking innovation.

Subject is an abstract entity (society).

被害者は謝罪と賠償を求めた。

The victim sought an apology and compensation.

Legal/Formal context.

彼は理想の女性を求めて旅をした。

He traveled in search of the ideal woman.

Literary/Romantic quest.

この職種には高度な専門性が求められる。

A high level of expertise is required for this job type.

Formal job requirement.

住民はダム建設の中止を求めている。

Residents are demanding the cancellation of the dam construction.

Political/Social demand.

求めに応じて、資料を送付します。

In response to the request, I will send the materials.

Stem form 'motome' used as a noun.

彼は周囲に助けを求めることをためらった。

He hesitated to seek help from those around him.

Complex psychological state.

幸福を求める権利は憲法で保障されている。

The right to seek happiness is guaranteed by the constitution.

Legal/Constitutional language.

企業の社会的責任が厳しく求められる時代だ。

It is an era where corporate social responsibility is strictly required.

Complex social commentary.

彼は自らのアイデンティティを求めて葛藤した。

He struggled in search of his own identity.

Psychological/Philosophical depth.

検察は被告に死刑を求刑した。

The prosecution sought the death penalty for the defendant.

Specific legal compound 'kyuukei' (seeking a sentence).

その理論の妥当性を求める議論が続いている。

Discussions seeking the validity of that theory are continuing.

Academic/Scientific context.

彼女の歌声は、多くの人々に癒やしを求めた。

Her singing voice sought (brought out a need for) healing in many people.

Nuanced literary usage.

時代の要請に応え、新サービスを導入する。

In response to the demands of the times, we will introduce a new service.

Using 'yousei' (official request) synonymously.

彼は究極の美を求めて、生涯を捧げた。

He dedicated his life to seeking ultimate beauty.

High-level literary tone.

和解を求める勧告がなされた。

A recommendation seeking reconciliation was made.

Formal diplomatic/legal language.

実存的真理を求める営みこそが哲学の本質である。

The endeavor of seeking existential truth is the essence of philosophy.

Highly abstract/Academic.

法治国家において、法の支配を求めるのは当然の帰結だ。

In a constitutional state, seeking the rule of law is a natural consequence.

Political science/Legal theory.

衆目に晒される中で、彼は一貫性を求められた。

While exposed to public scrutiny, he was required to maintain consistency.

Sophisticated passive usage.

古典文学の深淵に、現代社会への示唆を求める。

In the depths of classical literature, one seeks suggestions for modern society.

Literary analysis.

利益の最大化を求めるあまり、倫理が疎かになった。

In the pursuit of maximizing profit, ethics were neglected.

Critique of corporate behavior.

彼は静寂を求めて、人里離れた山奥に隠遁した。

Seeking silence, he secluded himself deep in the mountains away from human habitation.

Classical narrative style.

国民の信託を求める選挙が目前に迫っている。

An election seeking the trust of the people is imminent.

Political jargon.

真理の探究は、時に既存の価値観の破壊を求める。

The quest for truth sometimes requires the destruction of existing values.

Philosophical paradox.

Common Collocations

助けを求める

協力を求める

解決を求める

真実を求める

お求めになる

署名を求める

アドバイスを求める

平和を求める

理解を求める

答えを求める

Common Phrases

お求めやすい

— Affordable or easy to buy. Used in advertising.

お求めやすい価格です。

求めに応じて

— In response to a request. Formal connector.

求めに応じて資料を作った。

求められる役割

— The role expected of someone. Common in job contexts.

リーダーに求められる役割。

強く求める

— To strongly demand or urge.

改善を強く求める。

救いを求める

— To seek salvation or relief.

神に救いを求める。

職を求める

— To look for a job (formal).

職を求めて上京する。

同意を求める

— To seek agreement or consent.

会議で同意を求める。

説明を求める

— To ask for an explanation.

理由の説明を求める。

理想を求める

— To pursue an ideal.

高い理想を求める。

変化を求める

— To seek change.

新しい変化を求める。

Often Confused With

求める vs 探す (Sagasu)

Sagasu is for physical objects; Motomeru is for abstract things.

求める vs 頼む (Tanomu)

Tanomu is a casual favor; Motomeru is a formal request/demand.

求める vs 欲しがる (Hoshigaru)

Hoshigaru is a personal desire; Motomeru is an active pursuit.

Idioms & Expressions

"求めよ、さらば与えられん"

— Seek and ye shall find. A famous biblical quote used in Japan.

求めよ、さらば与えられんという言葉がある。

Literary

"縁を求める"

— To seek a connection or a marriage partner.

良縁を求める。

Traditional

"道を求める"

— To seek the 'Way' (spiritual or martial arts path).

武道に道を求める。

Spiritual

"非を求める"

— To look for faults (less common, usually 'ara wo sagasu').

他人の非を求める。

Literary

"職を求める"

— To be on the job hunt.

ハローワークで職を求める。

Formal

"教えを求める"

— To seek someone's teachings or mentorship.

師に教えを求める。

Formal

"暇を求める"

— To ask for leave or to resign (archaic/very formal).

主人に暇を求める。

Archaic

"宿を求める"

— To seek lodging for the night.

旅人が宿を求める。

Literary

"一を求めて二を失う"

— To lose two while seeking one (similar to 'greedy for more').

一を求めて二を失うようなことはしたくない。

Proverbial

"美を求める"

— The pursuit of beauty.

芸術家は常に美を求める。

Literary

Easily Confused

求める vs 探求 (Tankyuu)

Both involve seeking.

Tankyuu is specifically for deep research or study.

真理を探求する。

求める vs 追求 (Tsuikyuu)

Both mean to pursue.

Tsuikyuu is for chasing a goal or profit over time.

利益を追求する。

求める vs 追及 (Tsuikyuu)

Same pronunciation as above.

This 'Tsuikyuu' means to grill someone or investigate a crime.

責任を追及する。

求める vs 請求 (Seikyuu)

Both involve asking.

Seikyuu is specifically for requesting payment or a formal claim.

料金を請求する。

求める vs 希求 (Kikyuu)

Both mean to desire.

Kikyuu is a very formal/literary word for 'aspiration'.

平和を希求する。

Sentence Patterns

N を求めます

助けを求めます。

Person に N を求める

母に助言を求める。

N が求められる

速さが求められる。

N を求めて V

夢を求めて旅をする。

N の求めに応じて

客の求めに応じて。

強く N を求める

強く改善を求める。

N を希求する (Related)

平和を希求する。

N を求める営み

真理を求める営み。

Word Family

Nouns

求め (Motome - request)

求人 (Kyuujin - job offer)

要求 (Youkyuu - demand)

探求 (Tankyuu - quest)

Verbs

求め合う (Motome-au - to seek each other)

買い求める (Kai-motomeru - to purchase)

Adjectives

求めがたい (Motome-gatai - hard to obtain)

欲しがる (Hoshigaru)

願う (Negau)

祈る (Inoru)

探す (Sagasu)

頼む (Tanomu)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in written Japanese and formal spoken Japanese.

Common Mistakes

Using motomeru for lost keys. → Kagi wo sagasu.
Motomeru is for abstract seeking, not finding lost items.
Using motomeru to mean 'want' for food. → Ramen ga hoshii / tabetai.
Motomeru is too formal and serious for casual food cravings.
Using the particle 'wo' for the person being asked. → Sensei 'ni' tasuke wo motomeru.
The person you are asking should be marked with 'ni'.
Using motomeru for 'buying' with friends. → Kore katta yo!
Motomeru (buying) is only for very formal retail situations.
Confusing motomeru with tanomu for small favors. → Shio wo totte (tanomu).
Don't 'seek' the salt; just 'ask' for it.

Tips

Abstract vs. Physical

Always remember: Motomeru = Abstract/Formal. Sagasu = Physical/Casual. This is the most important rule.

Passive Requirements

Use 'motomerareru' to talk about skills or qualities needed for a job. It sounds very professional.

Requesting Cooperation

In emails, 'kyouryoku wo motomeru' is a standard way to ask for help from another department.

Asking for Advice

When asking a mentor for advice, 'adobaisu wo motomeru' shows you respect their expertise.

Honorific Shopping

If you work in retail, learn 'o-motome ni naru' to address customers politely.

Solving Problems

In exams, look for the word 'motomeyo' to know what you need to solve for.

Seeking Truth

Use 'motomeru' when writing stories about characters on a quest for meaning.

Demanding Change

Use 'kaizen wo motomeru' (seeking improvement) when writing a formal complaint.

Moto-vation

Think: You have the 'motivation' to 'motomeru' your dreams.

Don't Overuse

Don't use it for everyday wants like 'I want a burger.' Use 'tabetai' or 'hoshii' instead.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MOTHER' (moto) asking for 'MORE' (meru). A mother seeking more for her children.

Visual Association

Imagine a hand reaching out (求) toward a glowing star representing 'Truth' or 'Peace'.

Word Web

Seek Request Demand Buy Requirement Search Appeal Petition

Challenge

Try to use 'motomeru' in a sentence about your career goals today.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old Japanese word 'motomu'. It shares roots with 'moto' (base/origin), suggesting a search for the source or essence of something.

Original meaning: To search for, to look for, to desire.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use it too forcefully (like a demand) unless you intend to be very firm.

In English, we often use 'look for' or 'ask for' regardless of formality. 'Motomeru' forces a distinction between casual and serious contexts.

The Japanese Constitution (Happiness seeking clause) Job boards (求人 - Kyuujin) Math textbooks (Xを求めよ)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Hunting

求人情報を探す
求められるスキル
職を求める
人材を求める

Business Meeting

意見を求める
承認を求める
協力を求める
説明を求める

Shopping

お求めはこちら
お求めやすい価格
お求めになる
買い求める

News/Politics

辞任を求める
謝罪を求める
平和を求める
改善を求める

Mathematics

解を求めよ
面積を求める
値を求める
公式を求める

Conversation Starters

"仕事で一番求められているスキルは何だと思いますか？"

"あなたが人生で最も求めているものは何ですか？"

"最近、誰かにアドバイスを求めましたか？"

"この国で今、最も求められている変化は何でしょうか？"

"理想の休日を求めるとしたら、どこに行きたいですか？"

Journal Prompts

今日、自分が周りから何を求められていると感じましたか？

自分が本当に求めているキャリアについて書いてください。

過去に誰かに助けを求めた時の経験を詳しく書いてください。

社会がもっと求めるべき価値観についてあなたの意見を書いてください。

「幸せを求める権利」について、あなたはどう考えますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that would sound very strange. Use 'sagasu' for physical objects like keys or a wallet.

Yes, it is a formal verb. It's appropriate for business and official requests, but might be too stiff for friends.

It is the honorific way of saying 'purchase'. 'O-motome ni naru' means 'to buy'.

'Youkyuu' is a much stronger 'demand,' often used in conflicts. 'Motomeru' is a broader 'seek' or 'request'.

Use 'X wo motomeyo' (Xを求めよ). This is the standard imperative form in textbooks.

Not directly. You might use 'kyuukon' (proposing marriage), but for a date, use 'sasou'.

Yes, often by characters seeking 'power' (chikara) or 'revenge' (fukushuu) in a dramatic way.

Usually the particle 'ni'. For example: 'Sensei ni adobaisu wo motomeru'.

It is a Group 2 (Ichidan) verb. It ends in -eru.

If you are 'seeking' a talented person for a job, yes. If you are looking for your friend at the mall, use 'sagasu'.