請求

• Reading: せいきゅう
• Romaji: seikyuu
• Kanji breakdown: 請 (sei) — to request, to invite; 求 (kyuu) — to seek, to demand
• Pronunciation: /seː.kʲɯː/

Meaning

Claim; demand; billing. A formal request for payment or a demand for something owed.

A noun and suru-verb used for formal demands or claims, most commonly billing and invoicing. 請求 appears frequently in business and financial contexts. Key expressions include 請求書 (invoice/bill), 請求する (to bill/charge), and 請求額 (amount billed). Can also mean a legal claim or formal demand beyond monetary contexts.

Examples

1. 先月の電気代の請求が届いた。 Last month's electricity bill arrived.
2. お客様に請求書を送ってください。 Please send an invoice to the customer.
3. 保険会社に修理費を請求した。 I filed a claim with the insurance company for the repair costs.

Usage Guide

Context: business, finance, legal

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 請 (to request, to invite) and 求 (to seek, to demand). Together they convey the idea of formally seeking or demanding something.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional