Translation and Meaning of: 依頼 - irai

If you have ever needed to ask for something in Japan or watched an anime where someone receives a "mission", you have probably heard the word 依頼 [いらい]. This expression goes far beyond a simple request — it carries nuances of trust, responsibility, and even social hierarchy. In this article, you will discover not only the meaning and translation of irai, but also its origin, how the Japanese use it in their daily lives, and even tips for memorizing this kanji without struggle.

In addition to exploring the etymology and pictogram that make up 依頼, let's uncover why it is so common in professional contexts and even in mangas. And if you use Anki or another spaced repetition method, get ready for practical sentences that will boost your studies. Shall we get started?

The Kanji behind the request

The first character of 依頼, 依, is a kanji that carries the idea of "to depend" or "to trust." Its radical 亻 (person) combined with 衣 (clothes) creates an almost poetic image: someone who leans on another like clothing that protects from the cold. Meanwhile, 頼 has a radical of 頁 (head) and conveys the notion of "to request" or "to rely on."

When united, these ideograms form a powerful concept: more than just any request, irai implies a relationship of trust between the requester and the executor. No wonder it is the word used when you hire a professional in Japan — whether it's a plumber or a private detective in stories like Detective Conan.

When do the Japanese use 依頼?

In the office, いらい is king. From sending an email with the subject 資料作成の依頼 (request for document creation) to asking a colleague for help, it structures hierarchical relationships. A boss may say このプロジェクトを依頼します ("I entrust you with this project"), turning a simple request into a formal delegation.

Outside the corporate environment, the word appears in everyday situations such as hiring services (引越しの依頼 - moving request) or even on signs for 撮影依頼 (request not to photograph). And for fans of pop culture, it is almost a cliché in animes where characters receive "missions" — actually, 依頼 disguised as adventure.

Memorizing 依頼 without pain

To fix this vocabulary, try associating the kanji 依 with "clothes hanging" (thanks to the radical 衣) and 頼 with "head tilted in a sign of respect". A bizarre mental image? Maybe. Effective? Certainly. Another tip is to create flashcards with phrases like 依頼を受ける (accept a request) and 依頼を断る (refuse a request).

Curiosity: in Japanese convenience stores, you might see labels like 宅配依頼書 (delivery request form). These small encounters with the word in the real world are great memory boosters. How about keeping an eye out for them during your next konbini run?