311
要
Necessary, Essential
い-る (i-ru), かなめ (kaname)
JLPT N3
Interesting Fact
The kanji 要 appears in many common words such as 必要 (necessary), 重要 (important), and 要点 (main point). It always conveys the idea of something essential or required.
Memory Trick
Imagine a CHECKLIST with one item circled in red because it is absolutely ESSENTIAL. You NEED it before you can continue.
Readings
Onyomi: ヨウ (you)
Kunyomi: い-る (i-ru), かなめ (kaname)
Example Words
必要
ひつよう (hitsuyou)
Necessary
重要
じゅうよう (juuyou)
Important
要点
ようてん (youten)
Main point
不要
ふよう (fuyou)
Unnecessary
Example Sentence
パスポートが 必要です。
パスポートが ひつようです。
pasupooto ga hitsuyou desu
A passport is necessary.