頼み・恃み・憑み|たのみtanomi[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounrequest; favor; favour
   ちょっとおたのみがあるんですが。↗

   Would you do something for me?
2. nounreliance; dependence; trust; hope

• Synonym要請ようせいWrittenA formal request, as in 「協力要請」; typical of official or inter-organizational contexts. 「頼み」 is the more everyday word.
• Synonym注文ちゅうもんNeutralOrdering goods or food, or demanding how something should be done. 「頼み」 is not limited to buying and selling; it covers asking people for help generally.
• Synonym要望ようぼうNeutralA strong wish that something be done, often feedback to an organization, as in 「改善の要望」. 「頼み」 is more colloquial.
• Synonym申し出もうしでNeutralVolunteering one's wish or offer, as in 「辞退の申し出」; not necessarily a request. 「頼み」 is asking someone for help.
• Synonym嘆願たんがんWrittenAn earnest plea laying out the circumstances, as in 「嘆願書」, usually to a superior or the authorities. 「頼み」 has a plainer tone.
• Synonym懇請こんせいFormalA solemn, respectful entreaty, seen in official documents and speeches; rare in daily use. 「頼み」 works in both speech and writing.
• SynonymリクエストNeutralA loanword, mostly for requesting a song or program or voicing a wish; light in tone. 「頼み」 is asking someone to do something for you, and can also mean reliance.
• Synonym願いねがいNeutralCenters on a wish or desire, which need not be directed at anyone. 「頼み」 usually means asking someone to do something or relying on them.
• Synonym依頼いらいNeutralCommissioning someone to do something; rather formal, mostly for work or business, as in 「依頼人」 and 「執筆依頼」. 「頼み」 is more colloquial.
• Synonym申し入れもうしいれWrittenFormally presenting a view or demand to the other party, as in 「抗議の申し入れ」; mostly between organizations. 「頼み」 is more everyday.
• Synonym懇願こんがんWrittenPleading from the heart, far more earnest than 「頼み」; suits scenes of desperate begging.
• Synonym要求ようきゅうNeutralA firm demand, implying you are entitled to it. 「頼み」 is a humble request for help.
• Synonym求めもとめNeutralA demand or need, often in 「求めに応じる」; can also mean a purchase. 「頼み」 centers on entrusting someone with a task.
• Synonym請いこいWrittenA formal entreaty, seen in set phrases like 「請いに応じる」 and 「請いを入れる」; solemn in tone. In everyday speech say 「頼み」.
• Synonymお願い事おねがいごとNeutralSomething you want to ask of someone; politer and softer than 「頼み」, and common in everyday conversation.
• Synonym所望しょもうWrittenWanting an item or expressing a hope, with an old-fashioned elegance, as in 「ご所望の品」. 「頼み」 is more everyday.
• Related申し込みもうしこみNeutralFor signing up, applying to take part, or subscribing, as in 「参加申し込み」; usually involves formalities. 「頼み」 is asking someone for a favor.
• Related申請しんせいNeutralApplying to an official body through set procedures, as in 「ビザ申請」. 「頼み」 involves no such paperwork.
• Related請求せいきゅうNeutralDemanding something as a matter of right, as in 「代金請求」 or 「資料請求」. 「頼み」 asks a favor and assumes no such right.
• Related希求ききゅうWrittenA written-style word for longing for abstract goals like peace or happiness, not asking anyone. 「頼み」 has a concrete person to turn to.
• Related出願しゅつがんWrittenFiling an application, as in school admissions or 「特許出願」; strictly a procedural term. 「頼み」 is an everyday request.
• Related催促さいそくNeutralPressing someone to fulfill what they already agreed to, as in 「返済を催促する」. 「頼み」 is the original request itself.

Use 「頼み」 for asking someone for a favor or relying on them, as in 「頼みがある」 and 「頼みの綱」. For business commissions use 「依頼」; for official requests 「要請」; for applications to the authorities 「申請」; for firm demands 「要求」. 「嘆願」 and 「懇願」 add urgency, 「注文」 covers orders, and 「願い」 is a wish not necessarily aimed at anyone.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 頼たのむこと。依頼いらい。また、その内容ないよう。
2. 頼たより。あてにすること。