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
施す
ほどこす (hodokosu)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "apply" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 申し込む and 施す.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "施す" represents "to apply, to bestow".