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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.
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.
In English, 'demand' can sound harsh. Use 'request' or 'ask' in polite contexts to avoid sounding aggressive.
Use '要求' in formal contexts (e.g., contracts, laws). For informal requests, '请求' (to request) is more appropriate.
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.
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.