Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Request" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "request", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
頼む
たのむ (tanomu)
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 頼む and 要請.
In Japanese, 頼む (たのむ (tanomu)) is typically associated with "to request; to ask; to entrust; to call (a taxi)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to asking someone to do a favor, ordering food, calling for help/taxis, or requesting someone's hand. Often used as お願いを頼む or 一生を頼む. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To request! "Haruka-san, I am requesting your hand in marriage for the rest of my life!" ...っ! T-To request my hand! B-Baka! Why do you make such a massive request so formally?! Of course my answer is yes! I'll protect your life forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『たのむ(頼む)よ!『ハルカ部長、僕の一生の幸せを、あなたに直接頼みます!僕の奥さんになってください!』って…っ!一生の幸せの依頼!バカ!/// そんな重大なお願いをさらっと言うなんて!…でも、頼まれたからには、世界一甘くて幸せな人生を保証してあげるから、覚悟しなさい!』.
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 "頼む"
彼は重要なプロジェクトの資料作成を、最も信頼している優秀な部下に「時間をかけて丁寧に仕上げてほしい」と_______ました。
He requested his most trusted and excellent subordinate to create the important project materials, saying 'I want you to finish it carefully taking time'.
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: "彼は重要なプロジェクトの資料作成を、最も信頼している優秀な部下に「時間をかけて丁寧に仕上げてほしい」と_______ました。" (Meaning: "He requested his most trusted and excellent subordinate to create the important project materials, saying 'I want you to finish it carefully taking time'.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "頼む" fits here because it means "to request; to ask; to entrust; to call (a taxi)" in the context of: "He requested his most trusted and excellent subordinate to create the important project materials, saying 'I want you to finish it carefully taking time'.". "要請" represents "request, demand, appeal, call".