Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Apply" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "apply", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
申し込む
もうしこむ (mōshikomu)
N4 / 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 申し込む and 当てはまる.
In Japanese, 申し込む (もうしこむ (mōshikomu)) is typically associated with "to apply for, to make a reservation, to subscribe" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents イベント参加やサービス利用など、何かを正式に願い出ること。他動詞。/ To formally request something, such as participating in an event or using a service. Transitive verb..
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 "申し込む"
来月の旅行の予約を申し込みました。
I applied for a reservation for next month's trip.
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: "来月の旅行の予約を申し込みました。" (Meaning: "I applied for a reservation for next month's trip.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "申し込む" fits here because it means "to apply for, to make a reservation, to subscribe" in the context of: "I applied for a reservation for next month's trip.". "当てはまる" represents "to apply to, to be applicable, to fit (a condition/rule)".