Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Demand" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "demand", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
要求
ようきゅう (yōkyū)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
催促
さいそく (saisoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "demand" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 要求 and 催促.
In Japanese, 要求 (ようきゅう (yōkyū)) is typically associated with "demand; request; requirement; claim" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to strongly asking or demanding something.
On the other hand, 催促 (さいそく (saisoku)) maps to "demand, request, dunning, reminder" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when urging someone to do something they are supposed to do, often with a slightly pressing tone, like reminding someone to pay or complete a task. 「早くやってほしい」という気持ちを伝えるときに使われます。. A literal translation of "demand" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "要求"
労働組合の代表者たちは、経営陣に対して基本給の引き上げや労働環境の劇的な改善を粘り強く_______しました。
The representatives of the labor union persistently demanded an increase in basic salary and dramatic improvements in the working environment from the management.
Bilingual Context for "催促"
家賃の支払いを催促する手紙が届いた。
A letter arrived demanding payment of the rent.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "労働組合の代表者たちは、経営陣に対して基本給の引き上げや労働環境の劇的な改善を粘り強く_______しました。" (Meaning: "The representatives of the labor union persistently demanded an increase in basic salary and dramatic improvements in the working environment from the management.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "要求" fits here because it means "demand; request; requirement; claim" in the context of: "The representatives of the labor union persistently demanded an increase in basic salary and dramatic improvements in the working environment from the management.". "催促" represents "demand, request, dunning, reminder".