Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
要求yāoqiú(yao1qiu2)
The term '要求' (yāoqiú) means to request or demand something. It is often used in formal contexts where one party is making a specific request or stipulation, such as in business or academic settings. The nuance suggests not only asking but also implying a level of necessity or obligation.
Frequency#624DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
'要求' is often seen in formal settings like job interviews or academic discussions, where expectations are clearly laid out. Understanding how to articulate requirements is crucial in Chinese business culture, which values clarity and directness.
Memory Tip
Think of '要求' as 'yelling for a queue'—you want something so badly that you have to demand it. The character '要' (yào) resembles a person reaching out to grab something, while '求' (qiú) can be visualized as someone pleading or asking for help.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 要求
Quick Contrast
请求 (qǐngqiú) - use '要求' when emphasizing a demand or necessity, while '请求' is more about making a polite request.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '要求' as 'yelling for a queue'—you want something so badly that you have to demand it. The character '要' (yào) resembles a person reaching out to grab something, while '求' (qiú) can be visualized as someone pleading or asking for help.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of using '要求' in overly casual situations, as it can sound too forceful. Common collocations include '提出要求' (tīngchū yāoqiú - to put forward a request) and '接受要求' (jiēshòu yāoqiú - to accept a request). Remember, tone matters; using the wrong tone can change the meaning of your sentence entirely.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, '要求' connects with other vocabulary related to needs and desires. Focus on using it with verbs that express intention, such as '要' (yào - to want) or '希望' (xīwàng - to hope), to enhance your conversational skills.
Cultural Note
'要求' is often seen in formal settings like job interviews or academic discussions, where expectations are clearly laid out. Understanding how to articulate requirements is crucial in Chinese business culture, which values clarity and directness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '要求' with '请求', using them interchangeably. Remember, '要求' is stronger and more assertive, while '请求' is more polite. For example, saying '我请求你' (Wǒ qǐngqiú nǐ - I request you) instead of '我要求你' can soften the demand.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 要求
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 要求 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 要求 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 要求
要求 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Out of the original 23,000 applications, 16,000 candidates meet the entry requirements.
Cultural Notes for 要求
🏮Cultural insight
'要求' is often seen in formal settings like job interviews or academic discussions, where expectations are clearly laid out. Understanding how to articulate requirements is crucial in Chinese business culture, which values clarity and directness.
Frequently Asked Questions about 要求
Yes, but use it carefully, as it may come off as too demanding in informal contexts.
'请求' (qǐngqiú) is softer and more polite, often used for requests, while '要求' implies a stronger demand.
You can say '我要求你完成这个任务' (Wǒ yāoqiú nǐ wánchéng zhège rènwu) meaning 'I request you to complete this task'.
