1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “需” (pronounced “ju” or “shuu”) means “to require” or “to demand.” It conveys the idea of necessity or a need for something.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “需” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “to need” (the left part) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “需” is “衣” (clothing), which is often associated with the concept of covering or protection, hinting at the idea of needing something essential.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 需要 (じゅよう, juyou) – demand, requirement
- 需給 (じゅきゅう, jukyuu) – supply and demand
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この商品は需要が高いです。 (このしょうひんはじゅようがたかいです。) – This product has high demand.
- 私たちは新しい情報を必要としています。 (わたしたちはあたらしいじょうほうをひつようとしています。) – We need new information.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 必要 (ひつよう, hitsuyou) – necessity; it emphasizes the essential nature of something.
- 要求 (ようきゅう, youkyuu) – request; it implies a more assertive demand.
Antonyms:
- 不要 (ふよう, fuyou) – unnecessary; it indicates that something is not needed.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “需” is significant in various aspects of Japanese culture, especially in business and economics, where understanding demand is crucial.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 需要と供給の法則 (じゅようときょうきゅうのほうそく) – The law of supply and demand; a fundamental principle in economics.