Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Apply" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "apply", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
応募する
おうぼする (ōbosuru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
当てはまる
あてはまる (atehamaru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "apply" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 応募する and 当てはまる.
In Japanese, 応募する (おうぼする (ōbosuru)) is typically associated with "to apply (for a job, position, prize, etc.)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 仕事や賞品、募集などに対して申し込みをする際に使われます。多くの場合、「〜に.
On the other hand, 当てはまる (あてはまる (atehamaru)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "apply" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "応募する"
彼は日本の大学院に応募するつもりだ。
He intends to apply to a graduate school in Japan.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は日本の大学院に ＿＿＿ つもりだ。" (Meaning: "He intends to apply to a graduate school in Japan.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "応募する" fits here because it means "to apply (for a job, position, prize, etc.)" in the context of: "He intends to apply to a graduate school in Japan.". "当てはまる" represents "to apply to, to be applicable, to fit (a condition/rule)".