Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Request" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "request", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
要望
ようぼう (yōbō)
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 要望 and 要請.
In Japanese, 要望 (ようぼう (yōbō)) is typically associated with "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！』.
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 "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.
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: "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。" (Meaning: "Responding to the strong request of the residents, a new traffic light was installed at the intersection.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "要望" fits here because it means "request; demand; desire; petition; call for action" in the context of: "Responding to the strong request of the residents, a new traffic light was installed at the intersection.". "要請" represents "request, demand, appeal, call".