要求

ようきゅう

request, demand

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"要求" (ようきゅう) means "request" or "demand" and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It often refers to a strong or official request, such as demands for salary increases or customer requirements.

Common Collocations

  • 給料の要求 (きゅうりょうのようきゅう): salary demand
  • お客様の要求 (おきゃくさまのようきゅう): customer request
  • 技術の要求 (ぎじゅつのようきゅう): technical requirement

Usage Notes

"要求" is often used in business, legal, or formal situations where a clear and sometimes firm request or demand is made. It can be used as a noun or in the verb form "要求する" (to demand/request). Be careful not to confuse it with softer words like "お願い" which imply a polite request rather than a demand.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use "要求" when a polite request is more appropriate. Use "お願い" or "依頼" when you want to sound more polite or less forceful.

Example Sentences

かれはきゅうりょうのひきあげをようきゅうした。

He demanded a raise in salary.

おきゃくさまのようきゅうにおうじて、しょうひんをカスタマイズします。

We customize products according to customer requests.

このしごとにはたかいスキルがようきゅうされる。

This job requires high skills.