Meaning and Usage
"請求" (せいきゅう) primarily means "claim," "demand," or "request," often used in formal or business contexts. It frequently appears in financial or legal situations, such as invoicing or claiming compensation.
Common Contexts
You will often see "請求" in phrases like "請求書" (invoice) or "損害賠償を請求する" (to claim damages). It is a noun but can be combined with verbs like "する" to form verbs meaning "to claim" or "to charge."
Collocations and Patterns
- 請求書 (せいきゅうしょ): invoice, a document requesting payment.
- 請求する: to claim, to demand payment or compensation.
- 損害賠償を請求する: to claim damages, often in legal contexts.
Register and Nuance
"請求" is formal and used in business, legal, or official communications. It is not casual and should be avoided in informal requests.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "請求" with casual "request" words like "頼む" or "お願いする." Remember, "請求" implies a formal or official demand, often involving money or compensation, not just a polite request.