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
応募する
おうぼする (ōbosuru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "apply" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 申し込む and 応募する.
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, 応募する (おうぼする (ōbosuru)) maps to "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. 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 "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.
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.". "応募する" represents "to apply (for a job, position, prize, etc.)".