Meaning and Usage
"依頼" (いらい) means "request" or "commission" and is commonly used when asking someone to do a task or favor, especially in formal or business contexts. It implies entrusting a task to another person or party.
Common Contexts
You will often see "依頼" used in work or service situations, such as requesting a professional to handle a job, or asking someone to prepare documents or materials.
Collocations and Patterns
- 依頼する: to request or commission
- 依頼内容: the content or details of the request
- 依頼を受ける: to receive a request
- 依頼を断る: to decline a request
Register and Nuance
"依頼" is more formal than casual words like "お願い" and is suitable for business emails, contracts, or polite conversations. It carries a nuance of entrusting responsibility.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "依頼" with "お願い". While both mean "request", "依頼" is more formal and often used for professional or official requests, whereas "お願い" is more casual and used in everyday situations.