Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Apply" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "apply", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
当てはまる
あてはまる (atehamaru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
当てはめる
あてはめる (atehameru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "apply" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 当てはまる and 当てはめる.
In Japanese, 当てはまる (あてはまる (atehamaru)) is typically associated with "to apply to, to be applicable, to fit (a condition/rule)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Intransitive verb. Used when something matches a condition, rule, or situation. It 'fits' or 'applies' by itself..
On the other hand, 当てはめる (あてはめる (atehameru)) maps to "to apply (a rule/theory), to adapt, to fit (something to something else)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Transitive verb. Used when one makes something. A literal translation of "apply" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "当てはまる"
この条件に当てはまる人は応募してください。
Those who meet these conditions, please apply.
Bilingual Context for "当てはめる"
その理論を現実の問題に当てはめて考えてみた。
I tried to apply that theory to real-world problems.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この条件に ＿＿＿ 人は応募してください。" (Meaning: "Those who meet these conditions, please apply.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "当てはまる" fits here because it means "to apply to, to be applicable, to fit (a condition/rule)" in the context of: "Those who meet these conditions, please apply.". "当てはめる" represents "to apply (a rule/theory), to adapt, to fit (something to something else)".