Translation guide
The English word 'requirement' covers a range of meanings from formal prerequisites and necessary conditions to personal needs and demands. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the specific nuance.
Something that must be fulfilled or satisfied, often in formal, legal, or procedural contexts.
Refers to a required condition, especially in legal, business, or technical contexts. Often used for requirements that must be met for something to proceed.
Do you meet the application requirements for this position?
Please check the requirements of the contract.
A condition or term that must be met. Broader than 要件, used in everyday and formal situations. Often implies a set of conditions.
What are the admission requirements?
Experience is a requirement for this job.
An essential or mandatory requirement. Emphasizes that something is absolutely necessary.
English proficiency is a requirement.
Necessary items or matters; often used for listed requirements on forms or in instructions.
Please fill in the required information on the application form.
A personal or organizational need, often implying a demand or a thing that is required.
The most common and versatile word for 'need' or 'necessity'. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective. Often used in the pattern ～が必要だ.
I need more time. (lit. More time is a requirement.)
A demand or requirement, often from a person or group. Can imply a stronger, more assertive need.
Loanword from English 'needs'. Often used in business or marketing contexts to refer to customer or market requirements.
A rule or law that mandates something.
A course or credit that must be completed before taking another course.
要件 (youken) is formal and often used for specific, often legal or procedural requirements. 条件 (jouken) is a broader term for conditions or terms. 必要 (hitsuyou) is the most general and expresses a need or necessity. Use 必要 for everyday needs, 条件 for sets of conditions, and 要件 for official prerequisites.
The direct loanword リクワイアメント is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Use the appropriate Japanese term based on context.
Meeting the requirements is essential.
What are the requirements for this job?
This project requires additional funding.
顧客の要求に応える。
Meet the customer's requirements.
Analyze market requirements.
There is a requirement to report.
この科目は必修です。
This subject is a requirement.