Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Demand" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "demand", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
督促
とくそく (tokusoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
催告
さいこく (saikoku)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "demand" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 督促 and 催告.
In Japanese, 督促 (とくそく (tokusoku)) is typically associated with "demand, urge, prompt, reminder" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in formal or business contexts, implying a persistent or strong request for an action, payment, or reply that is overdue..
On the other hand, 催告 (さいこく (saikoku)) maps to "demand / notice" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "demand" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "督促"
未払いの料金の督促状が届いた。
A reminder (demand) notice for an unpaid fee arrived.
Bilingual Context for "催告"
私は催告に興味があります。
I am interested in demand / notice.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "未払いの料金の ＿＿＿ 状が届いた。" (Meaning: "A reminder (demand) notice for an unpaid fee arrived.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "督促" fits here because it means "demand, urge, prompt, reminder" in the context of: "A reminder (demand) notice for an unpaid fee arrived.". "催告" represents "demand / notice".