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How to Say ‘To apply’ in Japanese

応募する

oubo suru

[oh-boh soo-roo]

💬 Usage Tip: Don't mix this up with 募集する. 応募 is what the candidate does (applying), while 募集 is what the company does (recruiting).

Phrase Breakdown

応募

oubo

[oh-boh]

application (job); applying

Noun meaning “application” (often for a job). Very common in interviews: 応募する = to apply.

Example

この会社に応募した理由を教えてください。

Please tell me the reason you applied to this company.

する

suru

[soo-roo]

to do

A very common verb meaning 'to do' that combines with many nouns.

Example

面接の前に準備をする。

I do preparation before the interview.

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