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 応募する and 当てはめる.
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 "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: "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.". "当てはめる" represents "to apply (a rule/theory), to adapt, to fit (something to something else)".