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
要請
ようせい (yōsei)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "request" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 依頼 and 要請.
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, 要請 (ようせい (yōsei)) maps to "request, demand, appeal, call" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in formal contexts, such as by an organization, government, or public body to make a strong request or demand to another party or to the public. It can be a noun or verb. 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 "要請"
政府は国民に節水を要請した。
The government requested citizens to conserve water.
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.". "要請" represents "request, demand, appeal, call".