Translation guide
The English word "solicitation" covers a range of meanings from formal requests and business proposals to illegal offers and charitable fundraising. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the specific intent and context.
To formally ask for something, such as information, participation, or support, often in official or business contexts.
The most direct equivalent for 'solicitation' in the sense of inviting or urging someone to join an organization, buy a product, or participate in an activity. Often used in business and legal contexts.
We do not accept telephone solicitations.
Solicitation activities are prohibited.
Used for 'solicitation' when seeking applications, participants, or submissions, such as job offers, contest entries, or volunteers. Focuses on gathering people or things.
We are soliciting participants.
We are soliciting opinions.
A strong, formal request or demand, often from an authority or organization. Implies an expectation of compliance. Suitable for official solicitations.
The government solicited support.
To refer to the act of offering money for illegal or immoral acts, especially prostitution.
Specifically means 'solicitation of prostitution'. This is the standard legal term.
He was arrested for solicitation of prostitution.
Refers to touting or soliciting customers, often in red-light districts. Less formal than 売春の勧誘 but commonly understood.
Soliciting customers is illegal.
To ask for donations or support for a cause.
Specifically means fundraising or solicitation of donations. Often used for charity drives.
We are conducting a street solicitation for donations.
Literally 'call for donations'. A softer, more general way to describe soliciting contributions.
Many people responded to the solicitation for donations.
To seek business, clients, or contracts, often in a professional context.
Again, 勧誘 is the standard term for business solicitation, such as insurance or investment offers.
I received a solicitation for insurance.
Means 'sales' or 'business solicitation'. Often used in the context of sales visits or calls.
The sales solicitation calls are persistent.
勧誘 (kan'yū) implies actively persuading or urging someone to do something, often with a sales or membership pitch. 募集 (boshū) is more neutral, simply meaning 'recruiting' or 'seeking' without the persuasive nuance. Use 勧誘 for aggressive marketing or legal contexts, and 募集 for job ads or open calls.
To solicit new students (actively persuade them to join).
To recruit new students (announce openings).
The English word 'solicitation' is very broad. Directly translating it as 勧誘 in all cases can sound unnatural or overly legalistic. Always consider the specific action: asking for money, recruiting, selling, or illegal offers, and choose the appropriate Japanese term.