Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Demand" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "demand", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
需要
じゅよう (juyou)
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 需要 and 催促.
In Japanese, 需要 (じゅよう (juyou)) is typically associated with "demand" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents The desire or need for goods or services, often contrasted with '供給'.
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 "需要"
新製品に対する需要が高まっている。
Demand for the new product is increasing.
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: "新製品に対する ＿＿＿ が高まっている。" (Meaning: "Demand for the new product is increasing.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "需要" fits here because it means "demand" in the context of: "Demand for the new product is increasing.". "催促" represents "demand, request, dunning, reminder".