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
施す
ほどこす (hodokosu)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "apply" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 当てはまる and 施す.
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, 施す (ほどこす (hodokosu)) maps to "to apply, to bestow" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "施す"
毎日、日本語を練習するために施す。
Every day, I apply, to bestow to practice Japanese.
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.". "施す" represents "to apply, to bestow".