need · essential

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading of 要 is よう, and its kun readings are いる and かなめ. It has 9 strokes and relates to need or importance.
• Basic usage: 要る is read いる, and 重要 is read じゅうよう.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 要る and 重要
  • 要る means need or require.
  • この作業には細い筆が要る。 means “This work requires a fine brush.”
  • 重要 means important.
  • 重要な書類は鍵のかかる棚に保管してください。 means “Please keep important documents in the locked cabinet.”