Translation and Meaning of: 請求 - seikyuu

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have encountered the word 請求 (せいきゅう). It frequently appears in formal contexts, especially in financial and commercial documents. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday usage, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. Additionally, we will understand how this word is perceived in Japan and in which situations it is most commonly applied.

請求 is a term that carries bureaucratic weight, but it is also part of the essential vocabulary for those dealing with business or istration in Japan. Whether it's to understand an invoice or to communicate in a professional environment, mastering its use can be extremely useful. Let's unveil everything from its writing in kanji to practical examples that facilitate learning.

Meaning and use of 請求 in everyday life

請求 (せいきゅう) means "charge," "demand," or "payment request." It is a term often used in financial contexts, such as invoices, bills to pay, or even in legal situations. For example, when a company sends an invoice to a client, it is making a 請求. The term can also appear in contracts or official documents, reinforcing its formal character.

In daily life, Japanese people use 請求 in specific situations, such as when receiving a utility bill or negotiating payment deadlines. Although it’s not a word used casually in informal conversations, understanding it is crucial to avoid misunderstandings in business transactions. If you plan to work or study in Japan, knowing 請求 is almost mandatory.

Origin and composition of the kanjis 請求

The word 請求 is composed of two kanji: 請 (せい), which conveys the meaning of "to ask" or "to request," and 求 (きゅう), which means "to seek" or "to demand." Together, they form the idea of "demanding a payment" or "requesting a due amount." This combination reflects well the practical use of the word, as it is directly related to actions of collections and financial requisition.

It is worth highlighting that 請求 is not an old or outdated term. On the contrary, it maintains its relevance in modern Japanese, especially in corporate environments. Its kanji 請 also appears in other words related to requests, such as 申請 (しんせい, "application" or "request"), showing how the semantic root remains consistent.

Tips for efficiently memorizing 請求

A practical way to 請求 is to associate it with real situations, such as invoices or bills. If you have ever had to pay a bill in Japan, you have likely seen this word somewhere. Creating flashcards with example sentences also helps, especially if you are studying for proficiency exams like the JLPT.

Another strategy is to focus on the radicals of kanji. The character 請 has the radical 言 (ごんべん), related to speech and communication, while 求 refers to seeking or demanding. Combining these concepts makes it easier to that 請求 is linked to "formally asking for something." Repeating the reading out loud (せいきゅう) also strengthens memorization.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 請求書 (Seikyūsho) - Invoice or billing statement.
• 請求金額 (Seikyū kingaku) - Total amount to be charged.
• 請求額 (Seikyū-gaku) - Amount of the request (may refer to the specific value in a billing context).
• 請求内容 (Seikyū naiyō) - Content or billing details.
• 請求先 (Seikyū saki) - Billing recipient.
• 請求者 (Seikyū-sha) - Requester or sender of the charge.
• 請求期日 (Seikyū kijitsu) - Due date of the charge.
• 請求番号 (Seikyū bangō) - Invoice number or billing request number.
• 請求書類 (Seikyū shorui) - Related documents for billing.
• 請求方法 (Seikyū hōhō) - Billing method.