How to say "propose" in Japanese

• 申し込むもうしこむJLPT N3approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers proposing marriage, and also applying for or signing up for something. For English speakers this is the word to reach for when 'propose' means asking someone to marry you.
  あなたはあの勤め口つとめぐちに申し込もうしこむべきだ。↗

  You should apply for that post.
• 申し出るもうしでるJLPT N1approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbUsed for offering or putting forward something voluntarily, such as offering one's services or help. When 'propose' means stepping forward with an offer rather than an idea, this fits.
  私は彼女かのじょにお金かねを貸かそうと申し出もうしでた。↗

  I offered to lend money to her.
• 持ちかけるもちかけるCommon
  ichidan verb, transitive verbMeans to approach someone with a suggestion or proposal, raising an idea for their consideration. It suits contexts where you sound someone out with a plan or scheme you have in mind.
  彼かれは金かねを借かりようとおじに話はなしをもちかけた。↗

  He approached his uncle about lending him some money.
• 申し入れるもうしいれるJLPT N1approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbTo propose or suggest something formally, typically submitting a request or proposal to another party. It carries a formal, official tone, as in presenting a proposal to an organization.
  同おなじ頃ころ、事務員じむいん・有村ありむら夏恵なつえは、今月こんげつを限かぎりに退職たいしょくする旨むねを五鬼上ごきじょうに申し入もうしいれた。↗

  At the same time, the clerk Natsue Arimura told Gokijo of her intent to resign after this month.
• 企てるくわだてるCommon
  ichidan verb, transitive verbPrimarily means to plan, plot, or design something, and only marginally matches 'propose'. For most senses of 'propose' this is seldom the word you want; think of hatching a plan or scheme instead.
  きょうこそは彼かれらが脱走だっそうを企くわだてる運命うんめいの日ひだ。↗

  Today is the fatal day that they will attempt their escape.

Use 「申し込む」 for proposing marriage or applying, 「申し出る」 for volunteering an offer, 「持ちかける」 for floating an idea, 「申し入れる」 for formally submitting a proposal, and 「企てる」 mainly for planning or scheming.

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

• 申し込むもうしこむto apply for
• 申し出るもうしでるto offer
• 持ち掛けるもちかけるto offer (a suggestion, etc.)
• 申し入れるもうしいれるto propose
• 企てるくわだてるto plan
• 言い出すいいだすto be the first to say
• 持ち込むもちこむto approach (someone) with (a proposal, offer, problem, etc.)
• 挙げるあげるto nominate (e.g. for a position)