(いらいにん)

いらいにん
noun
client; person who makes a request
1. client; person who makes a request or commission
A person who hires or requests services from a professional such as a lawyer, detective, or consultant. More formal than simply saying 'customer.'
依頼人(いらいにん)面談(めんだん)する。
I'll meet with the client.
弁護士(べんごし)依頼人(いらいにん)利益(りえき)(まも)義務(ぎむ)がある。
A lawyer has a duty to protect the interests of their client.
探偵(たんてい)依頼人(いらいにん)から調査(ちょうさ)報告(ほうこく)(もと)められた。
The detective was asked by the client for an investigation report.

A compound of 依頼(いらい) (request, commission) + (にん) (person). Refers to someone who has formally requested professional services.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 依頼人(いらいにん)面談(めんだん)する: to meet with the client
  • 依頼人(いらいにん)利益(りえき): the client's interests
  • 依頼人(いらいにん)秘密(ひみつ)(まも)る: to protect the client's confidentiality

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 顧客(こきゃく): customer, client (business context, broader)
  • (きゃく): customer, guest (general, everyday)
  • クライアント: client (loanword, common in business and IT)

USAGE:
Used mainly in legal (弁護士(べんごし)), detective (探偵(たんてい)), and professional service contexts. Implies a formal relationship where someone has commissioned specific services. Common in legal dramas and crime fiction.