請求する
You use 請求する when you need to ask someone to pay you money or give you something you are owed.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn 請求する (seikyuu suru). It means to ask for money that someone owes you. Like, if you buy a toy, the shopkeeper will 請求する you for the money. Or, if you borrow money from a friend, you might ask them to pay you back. It's like saying 'pay me!' but in a more polite way. You use it when you want someone to give you money for something.
Hi there! Let's talk about 請求する (seikyuu suru). This verb means to formally request or demand payment. Think about when you get a bill for electricity or water – the company is 請求する you for the service. It's also used when you want to claim something you are owed, like if someone damaged your bike and you ask them to pay for the repair. It's a bit more serious than just asking for money.
Hello! Today's word is 請求する (seikyuu suru), which means to bill, claim, or demand payment. You'll often see this in business contexts. For example, a company will 請求する payment from its clients for services rendered. It can also be used when you are claiming something you are legally entitled to, such as compensation for damages after an accident. It implies a formal request for something that is due.
Let's explore 請求する (seikyuu suru). This verb signifies a formal demand for payment or fulfillment of an obligation. In commerce, it's the standard term for invoicing and billing. For instance, a supplier will 請求する the buyer for the goods delivered. Beyond commercial transactions, it extends to making claims, such as demanding compensation for losses or asserting a right. The formality is key; it's not a casual request but a structured demand, often backed by an agreement or legal standing.
We're looking at 請求する (seikyuu suru), a verb denoting a formal demand, typically for payment or the satisfaction of a claim. Its usage spans various domains, from routine business invoicing (e.g., 請求する for services) to more significant legal assertions, like 請求する damages or compensation. The verb carries a strong connotation of entitlement and formality, distinguishing it from informal requests. Understanding its nuances helps in navigating financial and legal interactions in Japanese, where precision in language is crucial.
Delving into 請求する (seikyuu suru), we find a verb rich in implication, signifying a formal and often legally grounded demand. Its etymological roots in 'request' and 'seek/demand' perfectly capture its essence. Beyond the common application of billing and invoicing, 請求する encompasses the assertion of rights and claims, whether financial, material, or otherwise. Its usage is prevalent in legal discourse, contract enforcement, and formal financial reporting. Mastery of 請求する requires appreciating its register – always formal – and its capacity to convey a definitive, non-negotiable request for what is owed or due.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 請求する (seikyuu suru) means to formally request payment or claim something owed.
- It's commonly used for billing, invoicing, and demanding compensation.
- The verb is formal and should not be used for casual requests or favors.
- Key related terms include 請求書 (invoice) and 支払う (to pay).
Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese verb 請求する (seikyuu suru). Think of it as a formal way to ask for something you're owed, especially money. It’s not just a casual ask; it carries a sense of entitlement or a contractual obligation. Imagine you've done some work for a friend, and now it's time for them to pay you – that's when you'd use 請求する to make the request. It's a really common verb in business and everyday transactions where money or services are exchanged.
The core idea behind 請求する is making a formal demand. This could be for a bill that needs to be paid, like when a restaurant 請求する you for your meal, or when a company sends out invoices. It can also extend to demanding something you have a right to, such as claiming damages after an accident. The nuance is important: it's more assertive than a simple request and often implies a pre-existing agreement or entitlement. So, whether it's a plumber sending you a bill or a lawyer demanding compensation, 請求する is the word you'll hear!
The word 請求する (seikyuu suru) comes to us from Chinese characters, which is super common in Japanese! The kanji 請求 themselves break down like this: 請 (sei) means 'to request,' 'to beg,' or 'to invite,' and 求 (kyuu) means 'to seek,' 'to request,' or 'to demand.' So, put together, 請求 literally means 'to request and seek' or 'to demand and request.' It’s a perfect combination for expressing a formal demand!
Historically, these characters have been used in East Asian languages for centuries to denote formal requests or claims. In Japanese, the verb form する (suru), meaning 'to do,' is attached to the noun 請求 (seikyuu) to create the verb 請求する. This structure is very common in Japanese, allowing nouns to function as verbs. Over time, its usage solidified in contexts like billing, invoicing, and making formal claims, reflecting the evolving economic and legal systems. It’s a word that has kept its core meaning of a formal demand while adapting to modern commercial practices.
請求する is primarily used in formal or business contexts. You'll encounter it most often when talking about money owed. For example, a company will 請求する payment from its customers (顧客に支払いを請求する - kokyaku ni shiharai o seikyuu suru). It's the standard verb for sending invoices or bills. Think of a utility company sending you your monthly electricity bill – they are 請求する you for your usage.
Beyond just bills, 請求する can also mean to claim something you are entitled to. If you were in a car accident and the other party was at fault, you might 請求する compensation for the damages (損害賠償を請求する - songai baishou o seikyuu suru). In legal settings, it's the go-to verb for making a formal claim. While it can be used in slightly less formal situations, it always carries a tone of seriousness and formality. You wouldn't typically use it to ask a friend to pay you back for a coffee; for that, you'd use more casual phrasing like '払ってくれる？' (haratte kureru? - 'Can you pay me back?').
While 請求する itself is a direct verb, it appears in many common phrases related to billing and claims. Here are a few:
- 支払いを請求する (shiharai o seikyuu suru): This is the most direct translation, meaning 'to request payment' or 'to bill.' Example: 会社はクライアントに未払いの料金を請求した。 (Kaisha wa kuraianto ni mibara no ryoukin o seikyuu shita. - The company billed the client for the unpaid fees.)
- 料金を請求する (ryoukin o seikyuu suru): Similar to the above, this specifically means 'to charge a fee' or 'to bill for a service/product.' Example: 弁護士は相談料を請求した。 (Bengoshi wa soudanryou o seikyuu shita. - The lawyer charged a consultation fee.)
- 損害賠償を請求する (songai baishou o seikyuu suru): This means 'to claim damages.' It's often used in legal contexts. Example: 事故の被害者は加害者に損害賠償を請求した。 (Jiko no higaisha wa kagaisha ni songai baishou o seikyuu shita. - The accident victim claimed damages from the perpetrator.)
- 権利を請求する (kenri o seikyuu suru): This translates to 'to claim a right.' Example: 彼は遺産に対する自分の権利を請求した。 (Kare wa isan ni taisuru jibun no kenri o seikyuu shita. - He claimed his right to the inheritance.)
- 代金を請求する (daikin o seikyuu suru): This means 'to demand the price' or 'to invoice for the price of goods.' Example: 業者は納品された商品に対する代金を請求した。 (Gyousha wa nouhin sareta shouhin ni taisuru daikin o seikyuu shita. - The vendor invoiced for the delivered goods.)
These phrases highlight the formal and often legalistic nature of 請求する, reinforcing its role in demanding what is due.
請求する (seikyuu suru) is a Group 2 verb (ichidan verb) in Japanese, which makes its conjugation quite straightforward. The base form is 請求する. The polite form is 請求します (seikyuu shimasu), and the past polite form is 請求しました (seikyuu shimashita). The plain past form is 請求した (seikyuu shita). For negative forms, it's 請求しない (seikyuu shinai) (plain negative) and 請求しません (seikyuu shimasen) (polite negative).
Pronunciation-wise, seikyuu has a long 'u' sound at the end, indicated by the 'uu'. It's pronounced roughly as 'say-kyoo-oo'. The stress isn't as pronounced as in English, but the syllables flow relatively evenly. The 'kyuu' sound is similar to the English word 'cue' but with a 'k' sound before it.
IPA Pronunciation:
- British English: /seɪˈkjuː ˈsʊ.ɹu/
- American English: /seɪˈkjuː ˈsʊ.ɹu/
Rhyming words are tricky with compound verbs like this, but focusing on the 'kyuu' sound, you might find words ending in '-kyuu' like 'shikyuu' (earthly sphere) or similar vowel sounds.
Fun Fact
The character 求 (kyuu) itself is composed of radicals suggesting 'to seek' or 'to chase after', emphasizing the active nature of demanding something.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'say-kyoo-oo soo-roo', with the 'kyuu' sound being long.
Similar to UK, 'say-kyoo-oo soo-roo', emphasizing the long 'u' in 'kyuu'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'kyuu' too short.
- Not distinguishing the long 'u' sound in 'seikyuu'.
- Adding unnecessary stress on random syllables.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Understanding the context is key.
Requires understanding formality and specific patterns.
Pronunciation and appropriate usage are important.
Recognizing the word in formal contexts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Ichidan Verb Conjugation
請求する -> 請求します, 請求した, 請求しない
Transitive Verbs and Direct Objects (を)
料金を請求する (bill the fee)
Indirect Objects with に
顧客に料金を請求する (bill the customer the fee)
Examples by Level
私はペンを請求します。
I / pen / request-payment.
請求します is the polite 'I do' form.
店は私にお金を請求します。
Shop / me / money / requests-payment.
The object of the request is marked with を (o).
これは私の請求です。
This / my / bill/claim.
請求 can also be a noun meaning 'bill' or 'claim'.
あなたは払うことを請求しますか？
You / pay / thing / request-payment?
ことを請求します is a pattern for requesting an action.
彼は請求をしました。
He / bill/claim / did.
しました is the past tense of します.
請求書をください。
Bill/invoice / please-give.
請求書 (seikyuusho) is the noun for 'invoice' or 'bill'.
これは請求する時間です。
This / request-payment / time / is.
時間です means 'it is time'.
私は請求を待っています。
I / bill/claim / am-waiting.
待っています (matte imasu) means 'am waiting'.
会社は顧客にサービス料を請求します。
Company / customer / service fee / bills.
The indirect object (customer) is marked with に (ni).
修理代金を請求するのは当然です。
Repair cost / demanding / is natural.
のは当然です means 'it is natural/expected to...'
彼は弁護士に損害賠償を請求するように頼んだ。
He / lawyer / damages / to claim / asked.
ように頼む means 'to ask someone to do something'.
請求書には詳細な内訳が記載されていた。
Invoice / detailed breakdown / was written.
記載されていた (kisai sarete ita) means 'was written/recorded'.
未払いの請求について問い合わせました。
Unpaid / bill / about / inquired.
について問い合わせる means 'to inquire about'.
家賃を請求する時期が来た。
Rent / to bill / time / came.
時期が来た (jiki ga kita) means 'the time has come'.
彼は自分の権利を請求した。
He / his rights / claimed.
権利 (kenri) means 'rights'.
請求額は予想よりも高かった。
Billed amount / than expected / was high.
額 (gaku) means 'amount'.
ホテルは宿泊費を前もって請求する場合があります。
Hotel / accommodation fee / in advance / may bill.
前もって (mae motte) means 'in advance'.
契約に従い、サービス完了後に代金を請求します。
According to contract / service completion / after / price / will bill.
〜に従い (ni shitagai) means 'according to'.
もし商品に欠陥があれば、返金を請求できます。
If / product / defects / if there are / refund / can claim.
欠陥 (kekkan) means 'defect'.
彼は長年の未払い金について、正式に支払いを請求した。
He / many years / unpaid amount / about / formally / payment / demanded.
正式に (seishiki ni) means 'formally'.
請求プロセスを合理化する必要がある。
Billing process / streamline / need to do.
合理化する (gourika suru) means 'to rationalize' or 'streamline'.
彼は過去の貢献に対する報酬を請求した。
He / past contributions / for / reward / claimed.
報酬 (houshuu) means 'reward' or 'remuneration'.
裁判所は彼に損害賠償の支払いを請求した。
Court / him / damages / payment / ordered.
裁判所 (saibansho) means 'court'.
請求書の発行が遅れたため、顧客からクレームがあった。
Invoice / issuance / was delayed / because / customer / from / complaint / there was.
クレーム (kureemu) is a loanword for 'complaint'.
当社は、提供したサービスに対する料金を毎月請求いたします。
Our company / provided / services / for / charges / every month / will bill.
いたします (itashimasu) is a humble form of します, used in formal business communication.
契約不履行の場合、違約金の支払いを請求する権利を有します。
Contractual breach / in case of / penalty fee / payment / to claim / right / possess.
契約不履行 (keiyaku furikou) means 'breach of contract'.
彼は不当な解雇に対して、慰謝料の支払いを請求する訴訟を起こした。
He / unfair dismissal / against / compensation / payment / to claim / lawsuit / filed.
訴訟を起こす (soshou o okosu) means 'to file a lawsuit'.
請求書に記載された金額に誤りがあったため、修正を依頼した。
Invoice / written / amount / error / because there was / correction / requested.
記載された (kisai sareta) is the passive past tense of 記載する (to write down, record).
彼は、長年勤めた会社に対して退職金の支払いを請求する権利があると主張した。
He / many years / worked / company / towards / severance pay / payment / to claim / right / exists / asserted.
退職金 (taishokukin) means 'severance pay'.
この請求は、過去の取引記録に基づいています。
This / claim / past / transaction records / based on / is.
基づいて (motodzuite) means 'based on'.
政府は、環境保護のための追加予算を請求する方針を固めた。
Government / environmental protection / for / additional budget / to request / policy / solidified.
方針を固める (houshin o katameru) means 'to solidify a policy'.
請求額の算出には、複雑な計算式が用いられた。
Billed amount / calculation / complex / formula / was used.
算出する (sanshutsu suru) means 'to calculate'.
債権者は、債務者に対して延滞利息を含めた全額の支払いを請求する法的権利を有する。
Creditor / debtor / towards / overdue interest / including / full amount / payment / to demand / legal right / possesses.
債権者 (saikensha) - creditor, 債務者 (saimusha) - debtor.
彼は、長年にわたる不当な扱いの結果として精神的苦痛に対する慰謝料を請求した。
He / many years / unfair treatment / as a result of / mental anguish / for / compensation / to claim / did.
精神的苦痛 (seishinteki kutsuu) means 'mental anguish'.
請求書に記載された項目が契約内容と乖離しているため、異議申し立てを行う。
Invoice / written / items / contract details / with / deviate / because / objection / will make.
乖離している (kairi shite iru) means 'to deviate' or 'be inconsistent with'.
企業は、知的財産権の侵害に対して損害賠償を請求するあらゆる手段を講じるべきだ。
Company / intellectual property rights / infringement / against / damages / to claim / all means / should take.
知的財産権 (chiteki zaisanken) means 'intellectual property rights'.
彼は、過去の功績に対する正当な評価と報酬を請求する権利を主張した。
He / past achievements / for / just / evaluation / and / compensation / to claim / right / asserted.
功績 (kouseki) means 'merit' or 'achievement'.
この請求は、状況証拠のみに基づいており、直接的な証拠を欠いている。
This / claim / circumstantial evidence / only / based on / direct evidence / lacking.
状況証拠 (joukyou shouko) means 'circumstantial evidence'.
政府は、国際的な人権基準の遵守を怠った国に対して、是正措置を請求する用意がある。
Government / international / human rights standards / compliance / neglected / countries / towards / corrective measures / to demand / prepared.
是正措置 (zesei sochi) means 'corrective measures'.
請求手続きの複雑さは、しばしば小規模事業者にとって参入障壁となっている。
Billing procedures / complexity / often / small-scale businesses / for / entry barrier / has become.
参入障壁 (sannyuu shouheki) means 'entry barrier'.
債権回収会社は、回収不能と判断された債権に対しても、法的手続きを通じて支払いを請求することがある。
Debt collection company / unrecoverable / judged / debts / even / legal procedures / through / payment / to demand / may do.
回収不能 (kaishuu funou) means 'unrecoverable'.
彼は、長年にわたる不当な解雇とそれに伴う精神的苦痛に対する損害賠償を、極めて厳格な法的根拠に基づいて請求した。
He / many years / unfair dismissal / and / accompanying / mental anguish / for / damages / extremely strict / legal basis / based on / demanded.
極めて (kiwamete) means 'extremely'.
請求書に記された曖昧な表現は、後々の契約解釈における論争の火種となりかねない。
Invoice / written / ambiguous expressions / future / contract interpretation / in / dispute / spark / could become.
論争の火種 (ronsou no hidane) means 'spark of dispute'.
企業は、グローバル市場における知的財産権侵害に対して、国際法に基づき多額の損害賠償を請求する権利を留保している。
Company / global market / in / intellectual property rights infringement / against / international law / based on / large amount / damages / to claim / right / reserves.
留保する (ryuuho suru) means 'to reserve' or 'retain'.
彼は、自身の芸術的功績に対する正当な評価と、それに裏打ちされた経済的対価を、公然と請求する姿勢を崩さなかった。
He / his artistic achievements / for / just evaluation / and / it / backed by / economic compensation / openly / to demand / stance / did not break.
裏打ちされた (ura-uchi sareta) means 'backed by' or 'supported by'.
提示された請求は、断片的な状況証拠の積み重ねに過ぎず、被告の有罪を立証するには決定的な証拠を欠いている。
Presented / claim / fragmented / circumstantial evidence / accumulation / merely / defendant / guilt / prove / decisive evidence / lacking.
決定的な (ketteiteki na) means 'decisive' or 'conclusive'.
国際社会は、人権侵害に対する責任追及として、関係国家に対し、被害者への補償と再発防止策の実施を厳格に請求すべきである。
International community / human rights violations / against / accountability / as / relevant countries / towards / victims / compensation / and / recurrence prevention measures / implementation / strictly / should demand.
責任追及 (sekinin tsuukyuu) means 'pursuit of responsibility'.
複雑怪奇な請求書は、しばしば専門家でなければ理解不能であり、一般消費者にとっては情報格差を助長する。
Complex and bizarre / invoices / often / experts / unless / understandable / impossible / general consumers / for / information gap / promotes.
複雑怪奇 (fukuzatsu kaiki) means 'complex and bizarre'.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"請求書を叩きつける"
To slam an invoice down forcefully, often implying anger or a demand for immediate payment.
彼は怒って請求書を机に叩きつけた。(Kare wa okotte seikyuusho o tsukue ni tatakitsuketa. - He angrily slammed the invoice onto the desk.)
casual/dramatic"泣き寝入りする (請求を諦める)"
To give up on a claim or payment, often due to frustration or the belief that it's not worth pursuing further.
損害が少額だったので、泣き寝入りすることにした。(Songai ga shougaku datta node, nakineiri suru koto ni shita. - Since the damages were small, I decided to just give up on claiming them.)
neutral/casual"払うものを払う"
To pay what one owes, often used in a context where payment is unavoidable or expected.
もう言い訳はできない、払うものを払おう。(Mou iiwake wa dekinai, harau mono o harou. - I can't make excuses anymore, let's just pay what we owe.)
neutral/casual"ツケを払う"
To pay for something on credit ('on tab') later, or to pay the price/consequences for one's actions.
借金のツケを払う時が来た。(Shakkin no tsuke o harau toki ga kita. - The time has come to pay off the debt.)
neutral/casual"勘定に入れる"
To take into account, to consider. While not directly using '請求', it relates to financial considerations.
その費用も勘定に入れて計画を立ててください。(Sono hiyou mo kanjou ni irete keikaku o tate te kudasai. - Please take those costs into account when making the plan.)
neutralEasily Confused
Both involve 'demanding' or 'requesting'.
請求する is specific to demanding payment or things owed (billing, claims). 要求する is broader, meaning to demand, require, or request anything (e.g., a change, an explanation, a raise).
彼は支払いを請求した。(He billed the payment.) vs. 彼は昇給を要求した。(He demanded a raise.)
Both relate to getting payment.
請求する is the initial act of billing or making a claim. 催促する is urging payment, usually for something already billed and overdue.
請求書を送った。(I sent the invoice.) vs. 未払いの請求書を催促した。(I urged payment on the unpaid invoice.)
Both are verbs related to requests.
請求する is demanding something owed *to you*. 申し出る is offering or proposing something *you will do*.
彼は報酬を請求した。(He claimed his reward.) vs. 彼は手伝いを申し出た。(He offered to help.)
Both relate to deserving or being entitled to something.
値する means 'to be worthy of' or 'to deserve'. It describes a state of deservingness. 請求する is the *action* of demanding what you deserve.
彼はその賞に値する。(He deserves the award.) vs. 彼は賞金を請求した。(He claimed the prize money.)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 請求する
彼は未払いの料金を請求した。(Kare wa mibara no ryoukin o seikyuu shita. - He billed the unpaid fees.)
Noun + に + Noun + を + 請求する
会社は顧客にサービス料を請求する。(Kaisha wa kokyaku ni saabisu-ryou o seikyuu suru. - The company bills the customer for service fees.)
Noun + (reason) + ために + 請求する
彼は事故のために損害賠償を請求した。(Kare wa jiko no tame ni songai baishou o seikyuu shita. - He claimed damages for the accident.)
Noun + に対し(て) + Noun + を + 請求する
債権者は債務者に対して残金を請求した。(Saikensha wa saimusha ni taishite zankin o seikyuu shita. - The creditor claimed the remaining balance from the debtor.)
Verb (dictionary form) + こと + を + 請求する
彼は返済することを請求した。(Kare wa hensai suru koto o seikyuu shita. - He demanded repayment.)
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
請求する is formal and implies a right or obligation, making it sound demanding or rude in casual settings.
While both involve demands, 請求する is specifically tied to financial or entitlement claims, whereas 要求する can be for anything, like a policy change or an explanation.
Ichidan verbs follow a predictable pattern: replace る (ru) with ます (masu), た (ta), ない (nai), etc.
Leaving out the object makes the sentence unclear and sounds incomplete.
請求する is about what is owed, not about asking someone to do something as a favor.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a grand palace where each room represents a type of claim. In the 'Payment Room', a stern butler (the 'seikyuu' butler) hands you a bill (請求書) – this is where you 'seikyuu' (請求) payment.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 請求する when companies send invoices, when lawyers discuss compensation, or when you receive a bill for services like internet or phone.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, clear financial transactions are important. Using 請求する correctly shows you understand formal business and financial etiquette.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember 請求する is an 'ichidan' verb. Just replace the final 'ru' with 'masu', 'ta', 'nai' for common forms (seikyuu-masu, seikyuu-ta, seikyuu-nai).
Say It Right
Focus on the long 'uu' sound in 'seikyuu'. Say 'say-kyoo-oo' to get it right. Don't rush it!
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using 請求する for casual requests like asking a friend to pay you back for lunch. It sounds overly formal and demanding.
Did You Know?
The kanji 求 (kyuu) in 請求 literally means 'to seek' or 'to chase', highlighting the active nature of demanding what is due.
Study Smart
Create flashcards with 請求する on one side and 'to bill/claim' on the other. Add example sentences showing its formal usage.
Think Context!
Always consider the situation. Is it a formal business deal, a legal matter, or a casual chat? This determines if 請求する is the right word.
Connect the Dots
Link 請求する with its noun forms: 請求 (claim), 請求書 (invoice). Understanding these related words reinforces the core meaning.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone *seeking* (求) what they *request* (請) – they are *seikyuu*-ing it!
Visual Association
Picture a formal waiter presenting a bill (請求書) with a stern expression, saying 'This is what you must pay!'
Word Web
Challenge
Try writing three different sentences using 請求する: one for a business bill, one for damages, and one for claiming a right.
Word Origin
Chinese
Original meaning: The characters 請求 originally meant 'to request and seek' or 'to demand and request'.
Cultural Context
While the act of requesting payment is normal, the tone and method of '請求' can be sensitive. Being overly aggressive or demanding without justification can be seen as rude or unfair.
In English-speaking cultures, the act of billing or claiming payment is very common in business. Phrases like 'invoice', 'bill', 'charge', 'claim', and 'demand payment' are used frequently. The formality can vary depending on the context, from a casual reminder to a formal legal notice.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At a restaurant/shop
- お会計をお願いします。(Okaikei o onegaishimasu. - Check, please.)
- 請求書をください。(Seikyuusho o kudasai. - Please give me the bill.)
- これはいくらですか？(Kore wa ikura desu ka? - How much is this?)
Business transactions (Invoicing)
- 請求書をお送りします。(Seikyuusho o o-okuri shimasu. - I will send you the invoice.)
- サービス料を請求いたします。(Saabisu-ryou o seikyuu itashimasu. - We will bill you for the service fee.)
- お支払い期日はいつですか？(Oshiharai kigen wa itsu desu ka? - When is the payment due date?)
Legal claims
- 損害賠償を請求する。(Songai baishou o seikyuu suru. - To claim damages.)
- 権利を主張する。(Kenri o shuchou suru. - To assert one's rights.)
- 訴訟を起こす。(Soshou o okosu. - To file a lawsuit.)
Overdue payments
- 支払いを催促する。(Shiharai o saisoku suru. - To urge payment.)
- 未払いの請求について。(Mibara no seikyuu ni tsuite. - Regarding the unpaid bill.)
- 延滞料金が発生します。(Entai ryoukin ga hassei shimasu. - Late fees will be incurred.)
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever had to 'seikyuu' someone for money?"
"What's the most common thing people 'seikyuu' for in your country?"
"Imagine you provided a service and the client refused to pay. How would you 'seikyuu' them?"
"When is it okay to 'seikyuu' someone, and when is it not?"
"What are some phrases you can use instead of 'seikyuu suru' in casual situations?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to pay a bill. What was the feeling associated with that 'seikyuu'?
Write a short dialogue where one person needs to 'seikyuu' payment from another.
Reflect on the importance of formal requests like 'seikyuu suru' in maintaining order in society.
Imagine you are a lawyer. Write a sentence using 'seikyuu suru' in a legal context.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions請求する (seikyuu suru) is primarily used for demanding payment or things that are owed, like bills or compensation. 要求する (youkyuu suru) is broader and can mean to demand, require, or request anything, not necessarily payment. Think of 請求する as 'to bill/claim' and 要求する as 'to demand/require'.
No, 請求する is too formal and implies you have a right to what you're asking for. For favors, use words like お願いする (onegai suru).
請求書 (seikyuusho) is the noun form, meaning 'invoice' or 'bill'. It's the document that lists what you need to pay.
Yes, you'll encounter it frequently when dealing with bills for utilities, rent, services, etc. It's a core verb in financial transactions.
The most direct opposite action is 支払う (shiharau), meaning 'to pay'.
Yes, it can be used to claim rights or possessions you are entitled to, although demanding payment is its most common use.
It's an ichidan (Group 2) verb. Polite form: 請求します (seikyuu shimasu). Past polite: 請求しました (seikyuu shimashita). Plain past: 請求した (seikyuu shita). Negative: 請求しない (seikyuu shinai).
While not exact, phrases like 'to bill someone', 'to charge someone', 'to lay claim to something', or 'to demand payment' capture aspects of its meaning.
Test Yourself
The shop ___ me for the toy.
請求する means to bill someone for something they bought.
Which word means 'to claim damages'?
損害賠償を請求する specifically means to claim damages.
You can use 請求する to ask a friend to buy you a coffee.
請求する is too formal for casual requests. Use a more casual phrase like お願いします (onegaishimasu).
Word
Meaning
Matching phrases helps solidify understanding of different contexts.
The standard order is Subject + Indirect Object + Direct Object + Verb.
The lawyer ___ compensation for his client.
In legal contexts for compensation, 'claim' is the most appropriate translation, corresponding to 請求する.
Which phrase best describes the formality of 請求する?
請求する is inherently formal and used for official demands or claims.
Translate: 'The company reserves the right to claim damages.'
留保する (ryuuho suru) means 'to reserve', fitting the context of retaining a right.
The plaintiff ___ damages based on the evidence presented.
In a legal context, 'claimed' aligns with the formal assertion of a right or entitlement, fitting 請求する.
Due to the breach of contract, the creditor will ___ the full amount including late fees.
Claiming the full amount, including fees, after a breach is a formal legal action represented by 請求する.
Score: /10
Summary
Use 請求する when you need to formally ask for money or something you are rightfully owed.
- 請求する (seikyuu suru) means to formally request payment or claim something owed.
- It's commonly used for billing, invoicing, and demanding compensation.
- The verb is formal and should not be used for casual requests or favors.
- Key related terms include 請求書 (invoice) and 支払う (to pay).
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a grand palace where each room represents a type of claim. In the 'Payment Room', a stern butler (the 'seikyuu' butler) hands you a bill (請求書) – this is where you 'seikyuu' (請求) payment.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 請求する when companies send invoices, when lawyers discuss compensation, or when you receive a bill for services like internet or phone.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, clear financial transactions are important. Using 請求する correctly shows you understand formal business and financial etiquette.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember 請求する is an 'ichidan' verb. Just replace the final 'ru' with 'masu', 'ta', 'nai' for common forms (seikyuu-masu, seikyuu-ta, seikyuu-nai).
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