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What is the Kanji for 'Desire' and 'Longing'? | 欲

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Desire' and 'Longing', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Desire' and 'Longing' is 欲.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Desire, Longing

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ho

    onyomiよく

    yoku

    Parts

    Valley Lack

    Example Word

    欲求: demand or desire. The Japanese verbal noun '欲求 (よっきゅう)' primarily means 'desire' or 'demand'. It refers to a strong feeling of wanting something or needing something. This word is often used in psychological or formal contexts to describe innate or instinctual desires, such as basic human needs. For example: His desire for success is strong「彼の成功への欲求は強い」(かれのせいこうへのよっきゅうはつよい). The demand for the product increased「その製品への欲求が高まった」(そのせいひんへのよっきゅうがたかまった). Note that while 'desire' is more emotional or personal, 'demand' can imply a more practical or market-driven need.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    767

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    kanji

    Meaning

    Valley

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lack

Words Using

This kanji is used in 8 words:

    word

    欲しい

    Meaning

    Want

    word

    欲しがる

    Meaning

    Want

    word

    意欲

    Meaning

    Motivation

    word

    欲望

    Meaning

    Desire

    word

    食欲

    Meaning

    Appetite

    word

    欲求

    Meaning

    Demand, Desire

    word

    Meaning

    Desire

    word

    欲張り

    Meaning

    Greedy

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 4 kanji contain the part 谷 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Contain, Looks

    kanji

    Meaning

    Vulgar, Popular

    kanji

    Meaning

    Abundant

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bathe

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 10 kanji contain the part 欠 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Song

    kanji

    Meaning

    Drink

    kanji

    Meaning

    Breathe out, Blow

    kanji

    Meaning

    Next

    kanji

    Meaning

    Europe, Europe

    kanji

    Meaning

    Rejoice, Delight

    kanji

    Meaning

    Soft

    kanji

    Meaning

    Boil, Cook

    kanji

    Meaning

    Deceit, Deceive

    kanji

    Meaning

    Article, Goodwill

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 欲 mean?

欲 means 'Desire' and 'Longing'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Sixth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N3 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.