Meaning and Usage
The verb 要する (ようする) means "to require," "to demand," or "to take" in terms of time, effort, resources, or conditions. It is often used in formal or written contexts to express the necessity or demand of something.
Common Contexts
- Describing the amount of time, effort, or resources needed for a task or project.
- Summarizing or concluding a statement with the phrase 要するに (in short, to sum up).
- Indicating the need for specific qualifications or conditions.
Collocations and Patterns
- 要するに: used to summarize or conclude what was said before.
- ～を要する: to require something (e.g., 労力を要する - to require effort).
- 専門知識を要する: to require specialized knowledge.
Register and Nuance
This verb is formal and often appears in written language, business, academic, or official contexts. It is less common in casual spoken Japanese.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 要する with 要る (いる), which also means "to need." 要する is more formal and often used for abstract or large-scale requirements, while 要る is more common in everyday conversation for simple needs.