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
支払督促
しはらいとくそく (shiharaitokusoku)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "demand" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 督促 and 支払督促.
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, 支払督促 (しはらいとくそく (shiharaitokusoku)) maps to "demand for payment" (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 "支払督促"
私は支払督促に興味があります。
I am interested in demand for payment.
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.". "支払督促" represents "demand for payment".