How to say "apply" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- godan verb, intransitive verbCovers 'apply' in the sense of being applicable: a rule, standard, idea, or description fits or holds true in a given case. The subject is the thing that applies, not a person applying it.
- 当てはめるあてはめるichidan verb, transitive verbThe active counterpart of あてはまる: a person applies a rule, standard, or idea to a particular case. It also means to adapt something to a situation.
- ichidan verb, transitive verbMainly means to attach, join, connect, or add; it can also mean applying ointment to the skin, though 塗る is the more specific word for cream or lotion.
- 塗るぬるgodan verb, transitive verbUse this for applying a spreadable substance — cream, lotion, paint, plaster — onto a surface such as skin. It is the natural choice for 'apply' in this physical, spreading sense.
- 申し出るもうしでるichidan verb, transitive verbIts real sense is to offer, propose, or put forward — for instance offering one's services. It matches 'apply (for)' only loosely, so it is seldom the right word for applying for a job.
「あてはまる」 is for rules or descriptions that hold true, 「当てはめる」 for fitting them to a case, 「塗る」 for spreading cream or lotion, 「つける」 only marginally for ointment, and 「申し出る」 for offering rather than applying.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- あてはまるto apply (of a rule)
- 当てはめるあてはめるto apply
- つけるto attach
- 塗るぬるto paint
- 申し出るもうしでるto offer
- アプライapply
- 塗り広げるぬりひろげるto spread
- 当てるあてるto apply (e.g. patch)
- さすto put on (lipstick, etc.)
- 施すほどこすto apply (processing, makeup, etc.)
- 引き当てるひきあてるto apply
- 働かせるはたらかせるto use
- 通用つうようto be accepted (e.g. of a way of thinking)
- 落とし込むおとしこむto apply (concepts, ideas, etc. to specific processes or methods)
- かけるto apply (insurance)
- 引くひくto apply (e.g. lipstick)
- 差すさすto put on (lipstick, etc.)
- 据えるすえるto apply (moxa)
See also
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