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要求
yāo qiú
demand
他要求加薪。
He demanded a raise.
formal
To ask for something forcefully, often implying a need or insistence.
政府要求公民遵守法律。
The government demands that citizens obey the law.
她要求更多的休息时间。
She requested more rest time.
Commonly used in formal contexts such as contracts, laws, or workplace requests.
formal
A condition or stipulation that must be met.
这是合同的基本要求。
This is a basic requirement of the contract.
Often used in legal or technical contexts.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: Overusing 'demand' in English
In English, 'demand' can sound harsh. Use 'request' or 'ask' in polite contexts to avoid sounding aggressive.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
Use '要求' in formal contexts (e.g., contracts, laws). For informal requests, '请求' (to request) is more appropriate.
Word Origin
The word '要求' is composed of two Chinese characters: '要' (yāo, meaning 'to ask for' or 'to demand') and '求' (qiú, meaning 'to seek' or 'to request'). Together, they form a compound verb/noun expressing a strong request or stipulation.
Usage Notes
In Chinese, '要求' can function as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it implies a stronger tone than '请求' (to request). As a noun, it refers to the conditions that must be satisfied.
Word Breakdown
要
to ask for / to demand
root求
to seek / to request
root汉英词典