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
要求
ようきゅう (yōkyū)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "demand" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 需要 and 要求.
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, 要求 (ようきゅう (yōkyū)) maps to "demand; request; requirement; claim" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to strongly asking or demanding something. 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 "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.
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.". "要求" represents "demand; request; requirement; claim".