to need, to require

JLPT N2 14 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage and Meaning

The character (xū) primarily means "to need" or "to require." It is often used in formal or written contexts to express necessity or obligation. Unlike the more common 需要 (xūyào), is typically seen in compound words or formal statements.

Common Collocations

  • + noun: indicates a requirement, e.g., 资金 (need funding).
  • 需要: a common question pattern meaning "do you need...?"
  • 申请提交: formal phrase meaning "application requires submission of..."

Usage Notes

When using , it often appears in formal or official language rather than casual speech. It can be replaced by 需要 in everyday conversation, which is more common and colloquial. Avoid confusing with , which is a colloquial contraction of 需要.

Common Confusion

Learners sometimes confuse with (yào), which also means "to want" or "to need." emphasizes necessity or requirement, often in formal contexts, while is more general and used in everyday speech.

Example Sentences

This project requires a large amount of funding.

Do you need help?

According to the regulations, the application requires submitting