求める

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 求める, read もとめる, is a transitive verb meaning to seek something needed or request and demand action from another party.
• Basic usage: 助けを求める means seeking help, whereas 説明を求める can make the firmer demand for an explanation.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Seeking help and demanding an explanation
  • It can mean seeking help or making the firmer demand that a city provide an explanation. The object and situation indicate the force of the request.