How to Say ‘To apply’ in Japanese
応募する
oubo suru
[oh-boh soo-roo]
💬 Usage Tip: [応募する] is formal "apply" for jobs, contests, scholarships, etc. More everyday "apply" like "apply paint" is different Japanese.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Japanese job searching is very process-driven, so verbs like [応募する] feel official and paperwork-heavy.
Phrase Breakdown
応募
oubo
[oh-boh]
application (job); applying
Noun meaning “application.” In job-hunting, it refers to applying for a position.
この職種に応募する人が増えています。
More people are applying for this job type.
する
suru
[soo-roo]
to do
Verb meaning “to do.” With 応募, it forms the verb “to apply.” 応募する = to apply (for a job).
御社に応募する理由をお話しします。
I will explain my reason for applying to your company.
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