Translation and Meaning of: 要る - iru

If you have studied Japanese, you have probably encountered the verb 要る (いる), which means "to need" or "to require." But do you know how it originated, how it is used in daily life, or even why its kanji is different from the verb 居る (also read as いる)? In this article, we will explore the etymology, practical use, and even some curiosities about this essential word for anyone looking to master the language. Here at Suki Nihongo, in addition to learning the meaning and origin, you will also discover practical examples to include in your Anki and boost your studies.

Unlike other Japanese verbs, 要る carries a kanji that refers to something essential, indispensable. It's no wonder it appears in everyday situations, from informal conversations to more formal contexts. But be careful: it is not used in the same way as the English "need" or the Portuguese "precisar". Want to understand these nuances? Keep reading!

Etymology and Origin of the Kanji 要る

The verb 要る is written with the kanji 要, which originally represents the "waist" or something "central". This character is composed of 西 (the left side, which means "west") and 女 (woman), but its pictographic evolution shows a human figure with a tight band around the waist, symbolizing something vital. Over time, 要 gained the meaning of "essential" or "necessary", which explains its connection with the verb いる.

Interestingly, although 要る is often written in hiragana (いる) in everyday use, its kanji emphasizes the idea of necessity. Compare it with 居る (another いる, which means "to exist" for living beings): while one refers to physical presence, the other deals with something indispensable. This subtle difference is crucial to avoid stumbling in your studies!

Practical Use and Common Phrases

Unlike Portuguese, 要る is a verb that does not require the particle を before the object. For example, "I need money" becomes お金がいる (okane ga iru), not お金をいる. This detail catches many unsuspecting students! Another peculiarity is that it is mainly used for concrete needs, such as objects or resources, and not for abstract desires (in that case, 欲しい or 必要がある come into play).

A common mistake is trying to use 要る in the sense of "to need to do something." For this, the Japanese prefers constructions like 〜なければならない or 〜たい. For example, "I need to study" would be 勉強しなければならない, never 勉強がいる. Do you realize how the Japanese language categorizes needs differently? Mastering these nuances is what separates a beginner from someone who truly understands the language.

Tips for Memorization and Curiosities

A funny way to that 要る indicates necessity is to associate the kanji 要 with a person holding their waist and saying, "This is essential!". If you've watched Japanese dramas, you may have noticed that exaggerated characters scream 要るよ！(iru yo!) when they desperately want something. This dramatic tone helps reinforce the colloquial use.

Another tip is to create flashcards with images of everyday objects + the particle が. For example, a picture of a dog with the sentence 犬がいる (I need a dog). Practicing with real-life situations, such as shopping lists (牛乳がいるね！), also helps internalize the verb. So, are you ready to start using 要る like a native?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 必要である (Hitsuyou de aru) - Is required
• 必要とする (Hitsuyou to suru) - Consider it necessary
• 必要だ (Hitsuyou da) - Is required
• 欲しい (Hoshii) - I want (something desired)
• 欲しがる (Hoshigaru) - Desire (something that someone else wants)
• 求める (Motomeru) - Seek or demand (something that is desired)