Translation guide
The English word "petition" can refer to a formal written request signed by many people, or to the act of making a formal request. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the context: a signed petition, a legal petition, or a general earnest request.
A formal written request signed by many people, often addressed to an authority.
The most common word for a signed petition document. Used for petitions to government, companies, etc.
I signed a petition to create a new park.
Refers to a signature-collecting campaign or drive, rather than the document itself.
They started a petition drive to change the school rules.
A formal petition, often used in legal or governmental contexts. More formal than 嘆願書.
The residents submitted a petition to the city requesting the road expansion.
A formal written application to a court or official body for a specific action or right.
A petition or motion filed with a court. Common in legal contexts.
The lawyer filed a petition for discovery with the court.
A general application or petition for permission, often used in administrative contexts.
A formal petition, especially one addressed to a government or public authority. Can also refer to the right to petition.
A serious or heartfelt request, not necessarily a signed document.
An earnest entreaty or supplication. Can be used for personal pleas.
Despite his petition, she left.
An earnest request or plea, often with a sense of begging.
A pitiful entreaty, often with a nuance of desperation.
嘆願書 is the physical petition document, while 署名運動 is the campaign to collect signatures. You sign a 嘆願書, but you participate in a 署名運動.
In legal contexts, use 申立て or 申請 instead. 嘆願書 is for public campaigns, not court filings.
ビザの申請手続きは複雑だ。
The visa petition process is complicated.
憲法は国民の請願権を保障している。
The constitution guarantees the right of petition.
彼は助けを求めて懇願した。
He petitioned for help.
囚人は釈放を哀願した。
The prisoner petitioned for release.