The kanji 求 primarily conveys the idea of "seeking," "requesting," "desiring," or "asking for." It implies a proactive effort to obtain something, whether it be information, assistance, or a tangible item. The character embodies the act of actively reaching out to acquire something that is wanted or needed.

・On-yomi (音読み): キュウ (kyuu) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): もと(める) (motomeru)

⚫︎求人 (kyuujin) Translation: Job offer; Job vacancy ⚫︎要求 (youkyuu) Translation: Demand; Request; Requirement ⚫︎追求 (tsuikyuu) Translation: Pursuit; Seeking

The kanji 求 is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字, けいせいもじ). The left side is the radical 示 (shimesu), which initially depicted an altar or a place of offering, hinting at religious or spiritual practices. The right side is 求 (kyuu), which serves as the phonetic component and provides the sound. The original meaning was related to "seeking" or "praying for" something from the gods. Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass the broader idea of seeking or desiring anything. The element 求 also functioned as a component on its own, evolving into the kanji we know today.