Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Request" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "request", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
依頼
いらい (irai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
求釈明
きゅうしゃくめい (kyuushakumei)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "request" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 依頼 and 求釈明.
In Japanese, 依頼 (いらい (irai)) is typically associated with "request, commission, ask (someone to do something)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used when asking a favor or task, especially in a business or formal context, but also applicable in daily life. Can be used as a noun.
On the other hand, 求釈明 (きゅうしゃくめい (kyuushakumei)) maps to "request for clarification" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "request" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "依頼"
仕事の依頼がありました。
There was a request for work.
Bilingual Context for "求釈明"
私は求釈明に興味があります。
I am interested in request for clarification.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "仕事の ＿＿＿ がありました。" (Meaning: "There was a request for work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "依頼" fits here because it means "request, commission, ask (someone to do something)" in the context of: "There was a request for work.". "求釈明" represents "request for clarification".