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How to Say "demand" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “demand” is “demanda” — use this when referring to the general economic or market need for a product or service.

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demanda

deh-MAHN-dahdeˈmanda

nounB1general
Use this when referring to the general economic or market need for a product or service.
Several colorful hands reaching eagerly toward a single, perfect red apple resting on a pedestal, illustrating high market demand.

Examples

La demanda de coches eléctricos ha crecido mucho este año.

The demand for electric cars has grown a lot this year.

Si sube el precio, la demanda suele bajar.

If the price goes up, the demand usually falls.

Hay una gran demanda de personal cualificado en el sector tecnológico.

There is a great demand for qualified personnel in the technology sector.

Always Feminine

Remember that 'demanda' is always a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' (the) or 'una' (a) before it.

Confusing with 'Pregunta'

Mistake: “Using 'demanda' when you mean a simple question.”

Correction: 'Demanda' implies a strong need or a formal requirement; use 'pregunta' for a simple question.

mercado

mer-KAH-dohmeɾˈkado

nounB1general
Use this word when 'demand' refers to the needs of the job market or a specific industry sector.
A simple storybook illustration showing two hands exchanging a shiny gold coin over a stylized, brightly colored map of the world, symbolizing global commerce.

Examples

El mercado laboral necesita más ingenieros.

The labor market needs more engineers.

La caída del precio afectó al mercado global de petróleo.

The price drop affected the global oil market.

Specific Markets

To talk about specific types of markets, you usually combine 'mercado' with an adjective (e.g., 'mercado global') or another noun (e.g., 'mercado de valores').

Using 'mercado' for 'store'

Mistake: “¿Hay un mercado cerca? (When asking for a financial market)”

Correction: Only use 'mercado' for a store or grocery place if the context is clear. In a formal setting, always specify the type of market, like 'mercado bursátil' (stock market).

presión

nounA2general
Choose this when 'demand' implies expectations or pressure placed upon someone, often in a work or social context.

Examples

Siento mucha presión en el trabajo para terminar el proyecto.

I feel a lot of pressure at work to finish the project.

exigencia

ek-see-HEN-syaheɡsiˈxensja

nounB2general
Use this when 'demand' refers to a strong requirement or a high standard that must be met, often in academic or professional settings.
A child standing next to a tall wooden post with a single bright horizontal mark indicating a necessary height requirement.

Examples

La exigencia de este curso es muy alta.

The requirements of this course are very high.

Debemos cumplir con todas las exigencias del contrato.

We must comply with all the requirements of the contract.

Su nivel de exigencia personal a veces es agotador.

Their level of personal strictness is sometimes exhausting.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with it, regardless of what the requirement is about.

Plural Usage

Use the plural 'exigencias' when you are talking about a list of rules or multiple conditions that need to be met.

Exigencia vs. Pedido

Mistake: “Using 'exigencia' for a polite request.”

Correction: Use 'petición' or 'pedido' for requests. 'Exigencia' implies that the thing is mandatory or forced.

reivindicación

nounB2formal
Opt for this translation when 'demand' refers to a claim or assertion of a right, typically in a social or political context.

Examples

La huelga es una reivindicación de mejores salarios.

The strike is a demand for better salaries.

Demanda vs. Exigencia

Learners often confuse 'demanda' and 'exigencia'. Remember that 'demanda' usually refers to market or economic need, while 'exigencia' signifies a strong personal requirement or high standard being imposed.

Related Translations

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