How to say "application" in Japanese

• 使用しようJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers 'application' in the sense of putting something to use — applying a tool, material, or method. Its core meaning is 'use' or 'utilization', so think of it as use rather than a formal application.
  使用しようする前まえに瓶びんを振ふってください。↗

  Shake the bottle before using.
• 開発かいはつJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbReally the word for development — of land, products, or technology. Its 'application' sense is only marginal, so this is seldom the word you want when English 'application' means applying or submitting something.
  エンドユーザーの視野しやにたった商品しょうひん開発かいはつが必須ひっす。↗

  Our new product development efforts must be done from the end user's viewpoint.
• 申請しんせいJLPT N2approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe application you submit to an office or authority — essentially a formal request or petition, as when applying for a permit or a visa.
  もうパスポートを申請しんせいしましたか。↗

  Have you applied for a passport yet?
• 適用てきようJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers 'application' of a rule, law, or method to a particular case — putting it into effect. This is applying rules, not submitting an application or request.
  この法律ほうりつはすべての人ひとに適用てきようされる。↗

  This law applies to everybody.
• 応募おうぼJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbApplying or entering in response to a recruitment or public call — a job opening, a competition, a raffle. The sense is entry for something offered, not use or rules.
  その学校がっこうで新あたらしい教師きょうしを必要ひつようとしていたので、彼かれはその職しょくに応募おうぼした。↗

  When the school needed a new teacher, he applied for the position.

Choose by what is being applied: 使用 puts something to use, 適用 applies a rule, law, or method, 申請 files a formal request, 応募 answers a recruitment or contest, and 開発 really means development.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 使用しようuse
• 開発かいはつdevelopment
• 申請しんせいapplication
• 適用てきようapplication (of a rule, law, method, etc.)
• 応募おうぼapplication
• アプリケーションapplication
• アプリapp
• 活用かつようpractical use
• 運用うんようmaking use of
• 申し込みもうしこみapplication
• 塗布とふapplication (of ointment, etc.)
• 出願しゅつがんapplication
• 利用りようuse
• 願い出ねがいでapplication
• 請求せいきゅうclaim
• 申し出もうしでproposal
• 志願しがんaspiration
• 適用業務てきようぎょうむapplication
• 志願書しがんしょapplication (form)
• 参加申し込みさんかもうしこみapplication (to take part in)
• 申し出でもうしいでproposal
• 応用おうよう(practical) application
• 願書がんしょ(written) application
• 申込書もうしこみしょ(written) application
• 願い書ねがいしょ(written) application
• 反映はんえいapplication (of an update, changes, etc.)
• 願いねがい(written) application