main point; essence; important thing
Refers to the central or most important part of a matter. Often used in phrases like 要は or 要するに to mean 'in short' or 'the point is'.
要は、努力を続けることだ。
The main point is to keep making an effort.
話の要をまとめてください。
Please summarize the key points of the talk.
noun, noun-modifying (irregular)
Used to express that something is necessary or required. Often appears in the pattern 要がある (there is a need to...) or as a prenominal modifier in formal contexts.
すぐに対応する要がある。
There is a need to respond immediately.
これは要の書類です。
This is an essential document.
demand; need · demand
request; demand; appeal · axiom
main; principal; major; chief
main cause; primary factor
demand; request; strong desire
outline; summary; overview
need; require; take
important matter; pressing business · requirement; necessary condition
coercion; compulsion; forcing someone to do something
personnel; required staff; necessary hands
in short; the point is; basically
fort; stronghold; fortification
point; gist; essentials · knack; trick; the ropes
summary; digest; abstract
required; needed; necessary
main point; gist; key point
important person; VIP; key figure
main point; gist; summary
Buddhist memorial service
important points; gist; list of requirements
strategic point; key position · crucial point; essentials; main point
outline; guidelines; main points
important post; key position; high office
essential; vital; crucial
strategic point; key position; important location
The kanji 要 originally depicts a woman with hands on her waist, symbolizing something essential or pivotal. The reading よう is the on'yomi, commonly used in Sino-Japanese compounds.