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
要求する
ようきゅうする (youkyū suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "demand" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 要求 and 要求する.
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, 要求する (ようきゅうする (youkyū suru)) maps to "to demand, to request, to require" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents This verb implies making a strong request or a demand, often with an expectation that it will be met. It can be used in various contexts, from official requirements to personal demands. It's more formal and forceful than simply お願いする. 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 "要求する"
会社は社員に残業を要求した。
The company demanded overtime from its employees.
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.". "要求する" represents "to demand, to request, to require".