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B1 noun #1,900 most common 11 min read

募集

boshuu Top 1,900

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 募集 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 募集 in your Level:

At the A1 level, your primary goal with the word 募集 (boshū) is simply visual recognition and basic understanding of its presence in your environment. You are not expected to use this word actively in complex sentences, but you absolutely need to know what it looks like and what it generally means because it is everywhere in Japan. Imagine you are walking down a street in Tokyo, looking for a place to eat, or perhaps you are a student looking for a part-time job to support your studies. You will see signs on the glass windows of convenience stores (konbini), ramen shops, and cafes. These signs often have the kanji 募集 written in large, bold letters. Often, it will be written as 募集中 (boshūchū), which means 'currently recruiting.' Recognizing these three characters is like having a key to understanding the local job market at a glance. Even if you cannot read the surrounding text detailing the hourly wage or the specific shifts available, spotting 募集 tells you immediately that this establishment is looking for help. At this stage, you might also hear it spoken in very simple contexts, perhaps by a teacher explaining that the school is looking for volunteers for a cultural festival. Your task is to associate the visual shape of the kanji—particularly the top part of 募 which looks like grass, and the bottom part which means power or strength, combined with 集 which looks like a bird on a tree—with the concept of 'gathering people.' You don't need to worry about the grammatical intricacies of whether it takes the particle 'wo' or 'ni' just yet. Focus on the survival aspect: if you need a job, look for 募集. If you see a poster with exciting pictures of a university club and the word 募集, you know they want you to join. It is a welcoming word, an invitation from the community or a business to step inside and participate. Practice writing the kanji a few times to commit its shape to memory, and the next time you watch an anime or look at a photo of a Japanese street, try to spot it in the background.

As you progress to the A2 level, your relationship with the word 募集 (boshū) shifts from mere visual recognition to basic active comprehension and simple usage. You are now beginning to understand how sentences are constructed, and you can start reading the details surrounding the 募集 signs you previously only recognized by shape. At this stage, you will encounter phrases like 'アルバイトを募集しています' (arubaito wo boshū shite imasu), which means 'We are recruiting part-time workers.' You should be able to understand the use of the continuous form 'shite imasu' to indicate an ongoing state of recruitment. You will also start to see it combined with other simple nouns you know, such as 'メンバー募集' (menbā boshū - member recruitment) or 'ボランティア募集' (borantia boshū - volunteer recruitment). In your own speaking and writing, you can begin to use it in straightforward sentences. For example, if you are helping to organize a small study group, you might say to your classmates, '新しいメンバーを募集します' (atarashii menbā wo boshū shimasu - we will recruit new members). You are also learning to distinguish it from related basic concepts. For instance, you know that 募集 is what the organizer does, while you, as the student or job seeker, do something else (like making a phone call or going for an interview). You might encounter simple questions in your textbook or from a teacher, such as 'どこでアルバイトを募集していますか？' (doko de arubaito wo boshū shite imasu ka? - Where are they recruiting part-time workers?). Being able to answer this by pointing to a store and saying 'あそこのコンビニで募集しています' (asoko no konbini de boshū shite imasu - they are recruiting at that convenience store over there) is a solid A2 skill. Furthermore, you should start paying attention to the pronunciation, ensuring you elongate the final 'u' sound correctly (bo-shuu), as Japanese vowel length changes meaning. By the end of A2, 募集 is no longer just a symbol on a poster; it is a functional piece of your vocabulary that you can use to navigate simple social and employment situations in Japanese.

Reaching the B1 level means you are now an independent user of Japanese, and your handling of the word 募集 (boshū) must reflect this maturity. You are no longer just looking at posters; you are actively engaging with the processes they advertise. At this level, you must firmly grasp the crucial distinction between 募集 (recruiting/soliciting) and 応募 (ōbo - applying). This is the stage where the common mistake of saying 'I recruited the company' instead of 'I applied to the company' must be eradicated. You should confidently use 募集 when talking about the actions of a company, a club, or an event organizer. For example, you can comfortably read and understand a short article or a web page detailing a company's recruitment process. You will encounter and use more complex grammatical structures, such as '募集をかける' (boshū wo kakeru - to put out a call for applications) or '募集を締め切る' (boshū wo shimekiru - to close applications). Imagine you are the leader of a university circle; you need to be able to write a simple but natural-sounding flyer or social media post: '秋のイベントに向けて、ボランティアスタッフを募集しています。興味がある方は、金曜日までに連絡してください' (Aki no ibento ni mukete, borantia sutaffu wo boshū shite imasu. Kyōmi ga aru kata wa, kin'yōbi made ni renraku shite kudasai - We are recruiting volunteer staff for the autumn event. If you are interested, please contact us by Friday). Furthermore, your understanding of the word's scope expands. You know it's not just for jobs. You understand '意見の募集' (iken no boshū - soliciting opinions) or '参加者募集' (sankasha boshū - recruiting participants). You can discuss these concepts in conversation, perhaps explaining to a friend why a certain event was canceled: '参加者の募集が少なかったからです' (Sankasha no boshū ga sukunakatta kara desu - Because the recruitment of participants was low/insufficient). At B1, 募集 becomes a versatile tool in your communicative arsenal, allowing you to organize, participate, and discuss the logistical aspects of gathering people for various purposes.

At the B2 level, your proficiency allows you to navigate professional and formal environments, and your use of 募集 (boshū) must adapt to business Japanese (Keigo) and more sophisticated contexts. You are no longer just dealing with part-time jobs; you are looking at corporate hiring, project management, and official announcements. You must be comfortable with compound nouns like 募集要項 (boshū yōkō - application guidelines), 募集期間 (boshū kikan - application period), and 募集定員 (boshū teiin - recruitment capacity/quota). When writing business emails or official documents, you need to use appropriate honorifics. Instead of the standard '募集しています', you will write '募集しております' (boshū shite orimasu) to show humility and professionalism. For example, '現在、新規事業拡大に伴い、エンジニアを広く募集しております' (Genzai, shinki jigyō kakudai ni tomonai, enjinia wo hiroku boshū shite orimasu - Currently, in conjunction with the expansion of our new business, we are widely recruiting engineers). You should also be able to read and comprehend detailed job descriptions and corporate press releases regarding hiring strategies. You understand the nuances between different types of recruitment, such as 新卒募集 (shinsotsu boshū - new graduate recruitment) versus 中途募集 (chūto boshū - mid-career recruitment). Beyond employment, you can understand news reports discussing government initiatives, such as a city council 'パブリックコメントを募集する' (paburikku komento wo boshū suru - soliciting public comments) on a new ordinance. You can engage in debates or discussions about recruitment difficulties in Japan due to the aging population, using phrases like '人材募集が困難になっている' (jinzai boshū ga konnan ni natte iru - recruiting human resources is becoming difficult). At this level, your comprehension is deep enough to pick up on the tone of the recruitment—whether it is an urgent call to fill a shortage or a prestigious, highly selective intake. You can accurately translate the concept into your native language, recognizing when 'solicit,' 'recruit,' or 'call for' is the most appropriate English equivalent based on the formal context.

At the C1 level, you are approaching near-native fluency, and your engagement with the word 募集 (boshū) involves understanding its legal, academic, and highly nuanced societal implications. You are dealing with complex texts such as legal contracts, detailed corporate financial reports, or academic papers on labor economics. In these contexts, 募集 is often part of strict legal frameworks. For instance, you will encounter terms like 募集株式 (boshū kabushiki - shares for subscription) in corporate law, referring to shares issued to raise capital. You understand that in this financial context, 募集 refers to the solicitation of investments rather than hiring personnel. You can seamlessly read and analyze a company's IR (Investor Relations) documents detailing the '資金募集' (shikin boshū - fundraising/capital recruitment) strategies. In the realm of labor, you can critically discuss the ethical and legal boundaries of recruitment advertising, understanding concepts like '虚偽の募集条件' (kyogi no boshū jōken - false recruitment conditions) and the regulations enforced by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Your vocabulary includes highly specific administrative terms like 募集案内 (boshū annai - recruitment prospectus) and you can draft these documents yourself with impeccable keigo and formal structuring. You are also sensitive to the historical and cultural shifts in Japanese recruitment practices, such as the transition away from traditional mass recruitment of new graduates (一括募集 - ikkatsu boshū) towards more flexible, year-round hiring (通年募集 - tsūnen boshū). You can articulate complex arguments about how these shifts affect corporate culture and youth employment. Furthermore, you recognize the subtle emotional or rhetorical uses of the word in literature or persuasive essays, where an author might '広く世間の賛同を募集する' (hiroku seken no sandō wo boshū suru - widely solicit the approval of the public). At C1, 募集 is a multifaceted concept that you manipulate with precision across legal, financial, and advanced academic discourses.

At the C2 level, your mastery of Japanese is absolute, and your understanding of 募集 (boshū) transcends standard definitions, allowing you to appreciate its etymological roots, its role in shaping modern Japanese socio-economic structures, and its highly specialized applications. You can engage in high-level discourse regarding the macro-economic impacts of recruitment trends, analyzing how demographic collapse forces a re-evaluation of traditional 募集 methodologies. You are comfortable reading archaic or highly stylized texts where the kanji 募 might be used in its classical sense of raising an army or gathering forces during historical periods. In contemporary specialized fields, such as high finance or advanced corporate restructuring, you understand the intricate legal mechanisms of '第三者割当増資における募集事項の決定' (daisanshawariate zōshi ni okeru boshū jikō no kettei - determination of subscription requirements in a third-party allotment of new shares). You can draft, critique, and negotiate the precise wording of such legal stipulations, knowing exactly how the term 募集 binds the issuing company and the subscribers under the Companies Act. You can also deconstruct the psychological marketing strategies used in modern digital 募集 campaigns, analyzing the linguistic choices that maximize conversion rates in crowdfunding or political fundraising. Your command of the language allows you to play with the word, perhaps using it ironically or metaphorically in creative writing or high-level rhetoric. You understand intuitively when a synonym like 徴募 (chōbo - conscription/enlistment) or 勧募 (kanbo - soliciting contributions) is more precise than the general 募集. At this pinnacle of proficiency, the word is a seamless part of your cognitive framework, allowing you to articulate the most complex, abstract, and legally binding concepts regarding the gathering of human and financial capital in Japanese society without a moment's hesitation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

募集 in 30 Seconds

Means 'recruitment' or 'solicitation'.
Used for jobs, clubs, and ideas.
The company recruits (募集), you apply (応募).
Often seen as 募集中 (currently recruiting).

The Japanese word 募集 (boshū) is a fundamental noun and suru-verb that translates primarily to 'recruitment,' 'solicitation,' 'taking applications,' or 'raising' (as in funds). To truly grasp what it means, we must break down its kanji characters and explore the depth of its application in Japanese society. The first kanji, 募 (bo), carries the meaning of 'recruit,' 'campaign,' or 'gather contributions.' It implies a widespread call to the public or a specific group, asking them to step forward voluntarily. The second kanji, 集 (shū), means 'to gather,' 'to meet,' or 'to collect.' When combined, 募集 literally means to send out a call to gather people, things, or ideas.

Literal Meaning: To campaign for and gather people or items.

This word is not limited merely to employment, which is a common misconception among beginner learners. While it is heavily used in the context of job hunting and hiring, its scope is much broader.

We are currently seeking new members for our tennis club. 募集.

For instance, if a university club is looking for new members, they will use this word. If a television program is asking viewers to send in their opinions, stories, or videos, they are conducting a boshū. Even in the realm of finance and charity, when an organization is raising funds or collecting donations, the term is applicable, often seen in words like 募金 (bokin - fundraising), which shares the same first kanji.

Nuance: It implies an open invitation rather than a forceful conscription.

The nuance of 募集 is inherently inviting; it is an open call asking for willing participants. It does not carry the connotation of drafting or forcing individuals into service.

The company announced the recruitment of new graduates. 募集.

Understanding this word is crucial for anyone planning to live, work, or study in Japan, as it appears on storefronts, university bulletin boards, corporate websites, and social media platforms daily.

We are soliciting ideas for the new mascot. 募集.

When you see the characters 募集中 (boshūchū), it means 'currently recruiting' or 'now accepting applications.' This suffix 中 (chū), meaning 'in the middle of' or 'currently,' is frequently attached to 募集 to indicate an ongoing active state. Furthermore, the word can be modified to specify exactly what is being sought. For example, アルバイト募集 (arubaito boshū) specifically means part-time job recruitment, while 参加者募集 (sankasha boshū) means a call for participants for an event or study.

Contextual Usage: Can be used for jobs, volunteers, ideas, and participants.

By mastering the meaning and the subtle nuances of this word, learners unlock a significant portion of functional, everyday Japanese vocabulary that bridges the gap between passive observation and active participation in Japanese society.

Applications for the volunteer program have closed. 募集.

The magazine is taking submissions for short stories. 募集.

Using 募集 correctly involves understanding its grammatical function and the verbs it commonly pairs with. Primarily, 募集 is a noun that can be transformed into a verb by adding する (suru), making it 募集する (boshū suru), which means 'to recruit' or 'to solicit.' When used as a verb, it typically takes the object particle を (wo). For example, '社員を募集する' (shain wo boshū suru) means 'to recruit employees.'

Basic Verb Form: Noun + を + 募集する (to recruit [Noun]).

However, in many formal or written contexts, it is used as a compound noun. You will frequently see it attached directly to another noun without a particle, such as in 求人募集 (kyūjin boshū - job recruitment) or ボランティア募集 (borantia boshū - volunteer recruitment).

We will begin recruiting staff from next month. 募集.

Another very common phrasing is 募集をかける (boshū wo kakeru). The verb かける (kakeru) has many meanings, but here it implies 'to put out a call' or 'to initiate the recruitment process.' This is slightly more colloquial and active than simply saying 募集する. Conversely, when a recruitment period ends, you use the verb 締め切る (shimekiru - to close/cut off). The phrase 募集を締め切る (boshū wo shimekiru) means 'to close applications.'

Closing Applications: 募集を締め切りました (Applications have been closed).

If you want to say that recruitment is currently ongoing, you append 中 (chū) to make 募集中 (boshūchū). This is often used with the copula です (desu) or だ (da), as in 'ただいまアルバイト募集中です' (tadaima arubaito boshūchū desu - we are currently recruiting part-timers).

The poster says 'Now Recruiting'. 募集.

In business emails or formal announcements, you might see honorific or humble forms. For instance, a company might write '新規プロジェクトのメンバーを募集しております' (shinki purojekuto no menbā wo boshū shite orimasu), using the humble 'orimasu' instead of 'imasu' to sound more professional. It is also important to note the phrase 募集要項 (boshū yōkō), which translates to 'application guidelines' or 'recruitment requirements.' This is a crucial document for anyone applying for a job, scholarship, or university admission in Japan, as it outlines all the necessary qualifications, deadlines, and procedures.

Important Compound: 募集要項 (boshū yōkō) - Application guidelines.

Please read the application guidelines carefully. 募集.

We put out a call for volunteers yesterday. 募集.

The recruitment capacity has been reached. 募集.

By mastering these collocations and grammatical structures, you can confidently discuss hiring, applying, and organizing events in Japanese.

The word 募集 is ubiquitous in Japan, deeply woven into the fabric of daily life, commerce, and education. If you walk down any commercial street in Tokyo, Osaka, or even a small rural town, you are almost guaranteed to see this word within minutes.

Retail & Dining: Commonly seen on storefront windows seeking part-time staff.

Convenience stores (konbini), restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets frequently display signs reading 'アルバイト募集中' (arubaito boshūchū) or 'パート募集' (pāto boshū) on their windows or doors. These signs often detail the hourly wage, working hours, and a phone number to call.

I saw a recruitment sign at the convenience store. 募集.

Beyond the service industry, the corporate world relies heavily on this term. During the famous Japanese job-hunting season known as 'shūkatsu' (就活), university students constantly navigate company websites looking for '新卒募集' (shinsotsu boshū - recruitment of new graduates). Job portals, recruitment agencies, and career fairs use the word extensively in their marketing materials and platform interfaces.

Academic Settings: Used for club recruitment and scholarship applications.

In educational environments, particularly universities, April is the season of 'shinkan' (新歓 - welcoming new students). During this time, campuses are flooded with flyers and booths where senior students are 'サークルメンバー募集' (sākuru menbā boshū - recruiting club members).

The photography club is recruiting new members. 募集.

You will also hear it in administrative contexts, such as when a university announces '奨学生の募集' (shōgakusei no boshū - recruitment/call for scholarship students). Furthermore, the entertainment and media industries use this word to interact with their audience. Radio hosts might say 'リスナーからのメッセージを募集しています' (risunā kara no messēji wo boshū shite imasu - we are soliciting messages from listeners).

Media & Entertainment: Used to solicit audience participation, stories, or contest entries.

Television shows running contests will announce '出場者募集' (shutsujōsha boshū - call for contestants). Even local governments use it when seeking public comments on new policies or looking for volunteers for community festivals.

The city is recruiting volunteers for the marathon. 募集.

We are soliciting original illustrations from the public. 募集.

The radio show is taking song requests. 募集.

In the digital age, crowdfunding platforms frequently use the term to describe the act of raising funds or backers for a project. Therefore, whether you are looking for a job, joining a community, or participating in modern media, 募集 is a keyword you will encounter constantly.

One of the most frequent mistakes Japanese learners make with the word 募集 is confusing the perspective of the action. Because 募集 translates to 'recruitment' or 'seeking applications,' learners sometimes incorrectly use it to mean 'to apply.'

Perspective Error: Using 募集 (to recruit) when you mean 応募 (to apply).

For example, a student might say '私はその会社を募集しました' (Watashi wa sono kaisha wo boshū shimashita), intending to say 'I applied to that company.' However, this sentence actually means 'I recruited that company,' which is nonsensical. The correct word for 'to apply' is 応募 (ōbo).

Incorrect: 私はアルバイトを募集した。 Correct: 私はアルバイトに応募した。募集.

The company does the 募集 (recruiting), and the individual does the 応募 (applying). This distinction is absolutely critical and is a classic pitfall for B1-level learners. Another common mistake involves confusing 募集 with 採用 (saiyō). While 募集 is the act of inviting people to apply, 採用 is the act of actually hiring or adopting them.

Process Confusion: Confusing the invitation (募集) with the final hiring decision (採用).

If a company puts out an ad, that is 募集. If you pass the interview and get the job, you have received 採用. Saying '募集されました' (I was recruited) when you mean 'I was hired' can sound unnatural; it's better to say '採用されました' (I was hired).

The recruitment phase is over, now we move to hiring. 募集.

Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the particles associated with 募集. When specifying what kind of people you are looking for, you use を (wo). For example, 'ボランティアを募集する' (to recruit volunteers). However, if you are stating the purpose or the destination of the recruitment, you might use に (ni) or へ (e), such as '新しいプロジェクトにメンバーを募集する' (to recruit members FOR a new project).

Particle Errors: Mixing up を (the target) and に (the destination/purpose).

Mixing these up can lead to slightly awkward sentences, though native speakers will usually understand the intent.

We are recruiting participants for the study. 募集.

Make sure you don't confuse applying with recruiting! 募集.

The company's recruitment strategy was flawed. 募集.

By being mindful of who is performing the action and the exact stage of the employment or gathering process, learners can avoid these common pitfalls and use 募集 with native-like accuracy.

In Japanese, there are several words related to gathering people, hiring, and inviting, which can easily be confused with 募集. Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms is key to advancing your vocabulary.

求人 (Kyūjin): Specifically means 'job offer' or 'seeking employees.'

The word 求人 (kyūjin) is highly specific to employment. While 募集 can be used for volunteers, club members, or ideas, 求人 is strictly for jobs. You will often see them combined as 求人募集 (kyūjin boshū), which is slightly redundant but very common, meaning 'job recruitment.'

I looked at the job offers in the magazine. 募集.

Another related word is 勧誘 (kan'yū), which translates to 'solicitation' or 'persuasion.'

勧誘 (Kan'yū): Implies actively approaching and persuading someone to join or buy.

The difference here is the level of aggression or directness. 募集 is generally passive; you put up a poster or a web page and wait for people to apply. 勧誘 is active; you walk up to someone, hand them a flyer, and try to talk them into joining your club or buying your service. Then there is 採用 (saiyō), which we discussed in the common mistakes section. It means 'hiring' or 'adoption' (of an idea or person).

The company decided on the hiring of five new staff. 募集.

募集 is the start of the funnel, 採用 is the end. We also have 応募 (ōbo), which is the counterpart to 募集. It means 'application' or 'subscription.'

応募 (Ōbo): The act of applying, done by the applicant.

If a company announces a 募集, you submit an 応募.

There were many applications for the open position. 募集.

Finally, there is 招集 (shōshū), which means 'convening' or 'summoning.' This is used in formal or official contexts, such as summoning a parliament or convening a national sports team.

The manager convened a meeting of all department heads. 募集.

Understanding these synonyms will make your Japanese much more precise. 募集.

By categorizing these words based on who is doing the action (the company vs. the applicant), the nature of the gathering (voluntary vs. mandatory), and the target (jobs vs. general), you can navigate Japanese recruitment and social vocabulary with ease.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

〜ている (ongoing state: 募集している)

〜を〜に (particle pairing: 人を会社に募集する)

〜中 (suffix for 'in the middle of': 募集中)

謙譲語 (Humble language: 募集しております)

〜をかける (verb collocation: 募集をかける)

Examples by Level

アルバイトを募集しています。

We are recruiting part-time workers.

Noun + を + Verb (te-imasu form for ongoing action).

ここでスタッフを募集しますか？

Do you recruit staff here?

Question particle か at the end.

募集のポスターを見ました。

I saw the recruitment poster.

Noun の Noun to link 'recruitment' and 'poster'.

メンバーを募集します。

We will recruit members.

Simple future/habitual tense.

募集中です。

We are currently recruiting.

Noun + 中 (chū) + です to indicate 'in the middle of'.

新しい人を募集します。

We will recruit new people.

Adjective + Noun.

募集はどこですか？

Where is the recruitment (taking place)?

Basic location question using どこ.

ボランティアの募集があります。

There is a recruitment for volunteers.

があります for existence/availability.

来月から新しいアルバイトを募集する予定です。

We plan to recruit new part-time workers from next month.

Verb dictionary form + 予定です (plan to).

この雑誌でモデルを募集しています。

They are recruiting models in this magazine.

Location particle で.

募集が終わる前に、電話をかけます。

I will make a phone call before the recruitment ends.

Verb dictionary form + 前に (before).

ギターが弾ける人を募集しています。

We are recruiting someone who can play the guitar.

Relative clause modifying 人 (person).

募集の条件を教えてください。

Please tell me the recruitment conditions.

〜てください for polite requests.

たくさんの会社が新入社員を募集しています。

Many companies are recruiting new employees.

Subject particle が with a quantity word.

募集の締め切りは明日です。

The recruitment deadline is tomorrow.

Compound noun 締め切り (deadline).

インターネットで参加者を募集しました。

We recruited participants on the internet.

Past tense ました.

私たちのサークルでは、国籍を問わずメンバーを募集しています。

Our club is recruiting members regardless of nationality.

〜を問わず (regardless of).

イベントのボランティア募集に申し込むつもりです。

I intend to apply for the event volunteer recruitment.

Verb dictionary form + つもりです (intend to).

定員に達したため、募集を締め切らせていただきます。

Because we have reached capacity, we will close the recruitment.

〜ため (because) and causative-passive させていただきます for polite refusal/action.

新しいプロジェクトのために、社内でアイデアを募集することになった。

It has been decided that we will solicit ideas within the company for the new project.

〜ことになった (it has been decided that).

募集要項をよく読んでから、応募してください。

Please apply after reading the application guidelines carefully.

Verb te-form + から (after doing).

経験者のみを募集しているそうです。

I hear they are only recruiting experienced people.

〜そうです (hearsay).

クラウドファンディングで資金を募集したが、目標額に届かなかった。

We raised funds through crowdfunding, but didn't reach the target amount.

Conjunction が (but).

どのような人材を募集しているのか、詳しく教えていただけますか。

Could you tell me in detail what kind of human resources you are recruiting?

Embedded question 〜のか + polite request いただけますか.

新規事業の立ち上げに伴い、即戦力となるエンジニアを募集しております。

In conjunction with the launch of our new business, we are recruiting engineers who can be immediately effective.

〜に伴い (in conjunction with) and humble form おります.

当市では、都市計画に関する市民の皆様からのパブリックコメントを募集しています。

Our city is soliciting public comments from citizens regarding urban planning.

に関する (regarding) and formal noun modification.

中途採用の募集枠を拡大する方針を固めました。

We have solidified our policy to expand the recruitment quota for mid-career hires.

方針を固める (to solidify a policy).

募集期間を延長したにもかかわらず、応募者数は伸び悩んでいる。

Despite extending the recruitment period, the number of applicants is stagnating.

〜にもかかわらず (despite).

次回のコンテストの作品募集は、来年の春頃を予定しております。

The call for submissions for the next contest is scheduled for around spring of next year.

〜を予定しております (is scheduled for).

不適切な募集広告を出した企業に対して、行政指導が入った。

Administrative guidance was issued to the company that put out an inappropriate recruitment advertisement.

〜に対して (towards/against).

社内公募制度を利用して、海外支店のポストに募集をかける。

We will use the internal open recruitment system to put out a call for the overseas branch post.

募集をかける (to put out a call/recruit).

多様なバックグラウンドを持つ人材を確保するため、通年募集を導入した。

In order to secure human resources with diverse backgrounds, we introduced year-round recruitment.

〜ため (in order to) with formal vocabulary.

金融庁は、暗号資産を用いた資金募集（ICO）に対する規制を強化する方針を示した。

The Financial Services Agency indicated a policy to strengthen regulations on fundraising (ICO) using crypto assets.

Complex noun phrases and formal bureaucratic language (方針を示した).

労働基準法に抵触する恐れのある虚偽の募集条件を提示することは、厳に慎まなければならない。

Presenting false recruitment conditions that risk conflicting with the Labor Standards Act must be strictly avoided.

〜恐れのある (risk of) and 厳に慎まなければならない (must strictly avoid).

本研究の被験者募集にあたっては、大学の倫理委員会の承認を得る必要がある。

When recruiting subjects for this research, it is necessary to obtain the approval of the university's ethics committee.

〜にあたっては (upon/when doing - formal).

新株予約権付社債の募集事項の決定は、取締役会の決議によらなければならない。

The determination of the subscription requirements for corporate bonds with subscription warrants must be based on a resolution of the board of directors.

Legal terminology (募集事項) and 〜によらなければならない (must depend on/be based on).

少子高齢化を背景に、地方自治体による移住者の募集活動は激化の一途を辿っている。

Against the backdrop of a declining birthrate and aging population, recruitment activities for migrants by local governments are continuing to intensify.

〜を背景に (against the backdrop of) and 〜の一途を辿る (continue to do solely).

そのNPO法人は、災害支援のための緊急募金を広く世間に募集した。

That NPO widely solicited emergency donations from the public for disaster relief.

広く世間に (widely to the public).

募集要項の記載に曖昧な点があり、応募者から多数の問い合わせが殺到する事態となった。

There were ambiguous points in the application guidelines, resulting in a situation where a flood of inquiries from applicants rushed in.

〜事態となった (resulted in a situation where).

優秀な人材を惹きつけるためには、単なる条件の提示にとどまらない、魅力的な募集ブランディングが不可欠である。

In order to attract excellent human resources, attractive recruitment branding that goes beyond merely presenting conditions is indispensable.

〜にとどまらない (not limited to) and 不可欠である (is indispensable).

第三者割当増資における募集株式の引受権は、既存株主の利益を著しく害するものであってはならない。

The subscription rights for shares for subscription in a third-party allotment must not significantly harm the interests of existing shareholders.

Highly specialized corporate law terminology (募集株式).

戦時下の国家総動員法に基づく労働力の徴用は、事実上の強制であり、自発性を前提とする「募集」という語の本来の定義からは逸脱している。

The conscription of labor based on the National Mobilization Law during wartime was de facto coercion, deviating from the original definition of the word 'boshū' (recruitment), which premises spontaneity.

Academic/historical analysis using 逸脱している (deviating from).

現代のプラットフォームビジネスにおいて、アルゴリズムを駆使したギグワーカーの募集形態は、労働者性の認定を巡る新たな法的課題を提起している。

In modern platform businesses, the recruitment format of gig workers fully utilizing algorithms is raising new legal issues surrounding the recognition of worker status.

〜を巡る (surrounding/concerning) and 提起している (raising/proposing).

その詩人は、失われた風景への郷愁を詠うことで、読者の心の中に共感という名の寄付を募集しているかのようであった。

By composing poems about nostalgia for lost landscapes, the poet seemed as if he were soliciting a donation named empathy within the readers' hearts.

Metaphorical and literary use of 募集 (募集しているかのようであった).

公募債の募集要項に記載されたリスク情報の開示不十分が問われ、証券会社は巨額の損害賠償訴訟に直面した。

Questioned over the insufficient disclosure of risk information stated in the prospectus of the publicly offered bonds, the securities firm faced a massive lawsuit for damages.

Financial/legal jargon (公募債, 損害賠償訴訟).

当該プロジェクトの資金募集スキームは、匿名組合契約を用いた極めて複雑なストラクチャーによって構築されている。

The fundraising scheme for the said project is constructed by an extremely complex structure using an anonymous partnership agreement.

Advanced financial structuring terminology (資金募集スキーム).

政府の有識者会議は、次世代のイノベーションを牽引する卓越した研究者の国際的な募集戦略について、抜本的な見直しを提言した。

The government's panel of experts proposed a fundamental review of the international recruitment strategy for outstanding researchers who will drive next-generation innovation.

抜本的な見直し (fundamental review) and 牽引する (to drive/pull).

彼は、自らの思想に共鳴する同志を地下出版物を通じて密かに募集し、来るべき革命の準備を進めていた。

Through underground publications, he secretly recruited comrades who resonated with his ideology, advancing preparations for the coming revolution.

Literary/historical narrative style (同志を...募集し).

Synonyms

公募求人勧誘採用

Antonyms

締切終了

Common Collocations

アルバイト募集

社員募集

参加者募集

募集要項

募集期間

募集をかける

募集を締め切る

募集中

新卒募集

意見募集

Common Phrases

アルバイト募集中です。

募集要項をご確認ください。

定員になり次第、募集を締め切ります。

広くアイデアを募集する。

ボランティアの募集に応募する。

募集枠が埋まる。

募集を再開する。

参加者の募集を呼びかける。

クラウドファンディングで資金を募集する。

募集条件に合致する。

Often Confused With

募集 vs 応募 (ōbo - application)

募集 vs 採用 (saiyō - hiring)

募集 vs 求人 (kyūjin - job offer)

Idioms & Expressions

"広く募集をかける"

"急募（きゅうぼ - urgent recruitment）"

"一般募集"

"社内募集"

"通年募集"

"一括募集"

"公募に付す"

"募金活動"

"募兵制"

"懸賞募集"

Easily Confused

募集 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Implies a voluntary application process, not a draft or conscription.

formality

Highly versatile. Can be used casually among friends (club recruitment) or in the most formal legal documents.

Common Mistakes

Saying '私は会社を募集しました' (I recruited the company) instead of '私は会社に応募しました' (I applied to the company).
Confusing 募集 (recruitment/invitation) with 採用 (the actual hiring/decision).
Using the particle に instead of を for the target of recruitment (e.g., wrong: アルバイトに募集する, right: アルバイトを募集する).
Thinking 募集 is only used for jobs, and failing to understand it when used for ideas, funds, or volunteers.
Pronouncing it with a strong accent on the first syllable (BO-shuu) instead of the correct flat pitch (bo-shuu).

Tips

Use を for the target

Always use the particle を (wo) to mark the person or thing being recruited. Example: アルバイトを募集する (to recruit a part-timer). Do not use が or に for the direct object here.

Memorize the Pair

Learn 募集 (boshū - recruit) and 応募 (ōbo - apply) together. The company does the 募集, and you do the 応募. Mixing these up is the most common mistake for learners.

Spot the Suffix 中

When walking in Japan, look for the characters 募集中 (boshūchū). The suffix 中 means 'currently in the middle of'. It's the quickest way to spot places that are hiring.

Business Emails

In formal business emails, always use the humble form 募集しております (boshū shite orimasu) instead of the standard polite form 募集しています. It shows respect to the reader.

Spring is Boshū Season

April is the start of the academic and fiscal year in Japan. This is when you will see the most 募集 signs, especially for university clubs (新歓 - shinkan) and new graduate hiring.

Learn 募集要項

If you plan to apply for a university or a serious job in Japan, you must know the word 募集要項 (boshū yōkō - application guidelines). This document contains all the rules you must follow.

Not Just for Jobs

Remember that 募集 is not limited to employment. You can recruit ideas (アイデア), opinions (意見), and participants (参加者). It is a general word for 'soliciting'.

Flat Pitch Accent

The pitch accent for 募集 is 'heiban' (flat). It starts low on 'bo' and goes high and stays high on 'shuu'. Pronouncing it with a drop can make it sound unnatural.

Break Down the Kanji

The kanji 募 means to campaign or recruit, and 集 means to gather. Thinking of it as 'campaigning to gather people' helps cement the meaning in your mind.

Closing Applications

To say applications are closed, use the verb 締め切る (shimekiru). The phrase is 募集を締め切りました (We have closed the recruitment).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

The BOSS (bo) wants to SHOOT (shū) a commercial to RECRUIT new staff.

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

University club 'Boshū' is a major cultural event in April, crucial for building social networks (senpai/kohai relationships).

In Japanese workplaces, 'Boshū' often implies a long-term commitment, especially for full-time roles, reflecting the traditional lifetime employment system.

'Boshū' signs in convenience stores are a barometer of the local economy and part-time labor shortage.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"最近、面白いアルバイトの募集を見ましたか？ (Have you seen any interesting part-time job recruitments lately?)"

"大学のサークルは、いつメンバーを募集しますか？ (When do university clubs recruit members?)"

"もし会社を作ったら、どんな人を募集したいですか？ (If you started a company, what kind of people would you want to recruit?)"

"ボランティアの募集に参加したことがありますか？ (Have you ever participated in a volunteer recruitment?)"

"クラウドファンディングの資金募集についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about fundraising through crowdfunding?)"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you applied for something after seeing a 募集 sign.

Invent a fictional club and write a 募集 poster for it in Japanese.

Discuss the differences between job recruitment (募集) in your country versus Japan.

Describe the ideal candidate you would 募集 if you were a manager.

Write a short story about a strange 募集 advertisement you found online.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should not use 募集 for your own job hunting. 募集 is the action taken by the employer. If you are looking for a job, you are doing 就職活動 (shūkatsu) or looking for 求人 (kyūjin). When you submit your resume, you are doing 応募 (ōbo).

求人 (kyūjin) specifically means 'seeking employees' or a 'job offer.' It is only used for employment. 募集 (boshū) is a broader term that means 'recruitment' or 'solicitation' and can be used for jobs, club members, volunteers, ideas, or even funds.

The most common and natural way to say 'Now Hiring' or 'Currently Recruiting' on a sign is 募集中 (boshūchū). You will often see this on storefronts, sometimes specified as アルバイト募集中 (arubaito boshūchū) for part-time jobs.

No. While it is most commonly used for gathering people (staff, members, participants), it can also be used for gathering abstract things like ideas (アイデア募集), opinions (意見募集), or funds (資金募集).

募集要項 (boshū yōkō) translates to 'application guidelines' or 'recruitment requirements.' It is the official document or webpage that lists all the details, qualifications, deadlines, and procedures for applying to a job, school, or program.

When specifying what or who you are recruiting, use the object particle を (wo), e.g., スタッフを募集する (recruit staff). If you are specifying the destination or purpose, use に (ni), e.g., プロジェクトにメンバーを募集する (recruit members to the project).

There isn't a single perfect antonym, but depending on the context, 応募 (ōbo - applying) is the reciprocal action. If a company stops recruiting, they might say 募集を締め切る (close recruitment). If they fire someone, it's 解雇 (kaiko).

Yes, in casual or internet contexts, you might see 恋人募集 (koibito boshū - looking for a partner) or 友達募集 (tomodachi boshū - looking for friends). It has a slightly formal or structured nuance but is commonly used online.

To make it polite in a business setting, change the verb ending. Instead of 募集しています (boshū shite imasu), use the humble form 募集しております (boshū shite orimasu). This is standard in corporate emails and websites.

急募 (kyūbo) is a compound word made from 急 (urgent) and 募 (recruit). It means 'Urgent Recruitment' or 'Urgently Hiring.' You will often see this on job boards when a company needs staff immediately.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a simple sentence saying 'We are recruiting part-time workers.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

アルバイト (part-time workers) + を (object particle) + 募集しています (are recruiting).