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
要望
ようぼう (yōbō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "request" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 依頼 and 要望.
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, 要望 (ようぼう (yōbō)) maps to "request; demand; desire; petition; call for action" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a formal request, demand, petition, or calling for action from a group, customer, or subordinate toward authority/management. Often used as 要望書 or 要望する. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Request? Demand? My only request is that you spend your entire weekend completely dedicated strictly to ME! This is a high-priority command!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『要望よ!私からの要望はね、今週末の予定を全部私とのデートで埋めること!これ以外の要望(意見)なんて一切却下よ!黙ってスケジュールを開けなさい!』. 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 "要望"
住民たちの強い_______に応えて、交差点に新しい信号機が設置されました。
Responding to the strong request of the residents, a new traffic light was installed at the intersection.
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.". "要望" represents "request; demand; desire; petition; call for action".