要求する

• Reading: ようきゅうする
• Romaji: youkyuu suru
• Kanji breakdown: 要 (yō) — need, essential; 求 (kyū) — seek, request
• Pronunciation: /joː.kjɯː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To demand; to require; to request firmly. Used when making a strong request or stating what is needed.

A する verb formed from the noun 要求 (demand/requirement). Stronger than 頼む or お願いする; implies authority or urgency. Common in business negotiations, labour disputes, and formal contexts. Can be used for both human demands and system requirements.

Examples

1. 組合は会社に賃金の引き上げを要求した。 The union demanded a wage increase from the company.
2. 彼女は相手に謝罪を要求している。 She is demanding an apology from the other party.
3. この仕事は高い技術を要求される。 This job requires a high level of skill.

Usage Guide

Context: business, labour, legal

Tone: assertive

Origin & History

Compound of 要 (yō, need/essential) and 求 (kyū, seek/request). Literally 'to seek what is needed' — pressing for something essential.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal