Understanding 要望 (ようぼう)
The word 要望 means "demand" or "request," often used in formal or business contexts to express what someone hopes or expects. It implies a somewhat strong or official request rather than a casual one.
Usage and Nuance
要望 is commonly used when talking about customer requests, employee demands, or public expectations. It often appears in phrases like 要望に応じる (to respond to requests) or 要望を伝える (to convey demands).
Common Collocations
- 要望に応じる: to respond to a request
- 要望を出す: to make a request
- 要望が多い: there are many requests
These collocations are useful in business or formal communication.
Register and Politeness
This word is formal and polite, suitable for written communication, business meetings, and official discussions. It is less common in casual conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 要望 with 願望 (がんぼう), which means "wish" or "desire" and is more personal and emotional. 要望 is more about concrete requests or demands, often from others or groups.