Translation and Meaning of: 催促 - saisoku

The Japanese word 催促 [さいそく] is a term that frequently appears in formal and professional contexts, but it can also be used in everyday situations. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the meaning and use of this expression, this article will clarify everything in a straightforward and practical way. Here, we will explore everything from the translation and origin to memorization tips and how it is perceived in Japanese culture. Whether it's to better understand a work email or a conversation, this guide will help.

Meaning and translation of 催促

催促[さいそく] can be translated as "collection," "reminder," or "pressure for a response." It is used when someone needs another person to fulfill an obligation, such as paying a bill, submitting a project, or responding to a message. The word carries a more formal tone and often appears in professional settings, but it can also be used in everyday situations, like reminding a friend to return a borrowed book.

It is worth noting that, although it has a sense of urgency, 催促 is not necessarily aggressive. In Japan, indirect communication is valued, so even a reminder is often made politely. For example, an email with 催促 in the subject may just be a gentle reminder, rather than a complaint.

Origin and components of kanjis

The word 催促 is composed of two kanji: 催 (sai) and 促 (soku). The first, 催, means "to promote" or "to provoke," while 促 indicates "pressure" or "to accelerate." Together, they convey the idea of "urging someone to act," which perfectly reflects the meaning of the word. This combination is not random—it follows the common logic in Japanese of uniting kanji to create more specific terms.

It is interesting to note that 催 also appears in words like 開催 (kaisai, "holding of an event") and 催眠 (saimin, "hypnosis"), always with the notion of inducing something. Meanwhile, 促 is found in 促進 (sokushin, "acceleration" or "promotion"). Understanding these radicals can aid in memorization, as the context of "pressure to act" recurs.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, where social harmony (和, wa) is a priority, making a direct request can be considered rude. Therefore, 催促 often comes accompanied by expressions of courtesy, such as お願いします (onegaishimasu) or 申し訳ありませんが (moushiwake arimasen ga). In companies, it is common to see emails with phrases like "ご迷惑をおかけしますが、ご確認の催促をさせていただきます" (I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to remind you about the confirmation).

Although it is a useful word, 催促 is not one of the most common in daily life. It appears more in written or formal contexts, while in colloquial speech, Japanese people may use alternatives like "リマインダー" (reminder, from English) or simply "まだですか？" (mada desu ka?, "not yet?"). Excessive use can sound authoritative, so it's good to moderate it according to the situation.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

促す (うながす) - Encourage or promote something to happen.
催す (もよおす) - To carry out or promote an event; it can also mean to provoke a feeling.
せかす (せかす) - Hurrying someone to do something, usually in a tone of urgency.