Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Request" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "request", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
求める
もとめる (motomeru)
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 求める and 求釈明.
In Japanese, 求める (もとめる (motomeru)) is typically associated with "to request; to seek; to demand; to purchase" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to formally requesting cooperation, seeking solutions, demanding rights, or purchasing goods. Often used as 協力を求める or 解決策を求める. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To seek/request! "I am seeking a warm hug to recharge my love battery, Haruka-san!" ...っ! S-Seeking a love recharging hug! B-Baka! Don't request physical recharges so casually! But... since you seek it, I suppose... I will hug you tightly enough to last you a whole week! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『もとめる（求める）よ！『ハルカ部長、あなたの心の底からの甘えん坊モード（デレ）を、僕の腕の中で毎日無限に求めます！全力で応えてください！』って…っ！デレを求める！バカ！/// 私の甘え顔をおねだりするなんて生意気よ！…でも、あんたが一生私だけを愛して求めるなら、一生いくらでも甘えさせてあげるわ！』.
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 "求める"
システムの安定稼働を目指すため、チームリーダーは関連部門のメンバー全員に対し、徹底的なコードレビューへの協力を_______ました。
In order to aim for stable system operation, the team leader requested cooperation for a thorough code review from all members of the related departments.
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: "システムの安定稼働を目指すため、チームリーダーは関連部門のメンバー全員に対し、徹底的なコードレビューへの協力を_______ました。" (Meaning: "In order to aim for stable system operation, the team leader requested cooperation for a thorough code review from all members of the related departments.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "求める" fits here because it means "to request; to seek; to demand; to purchase" in the context of: "In order to aim for stable system operation, the team leader requested cooperation for a thorough code review from all members of the related departments.". "求釈明" represents "request for clarification".