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申し込む

A2 verb #3,500 most common 11 min read

申し込む

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 申し込む in 30 Seconds

Explanation 申し込む in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize '申し込む' (moushikomu) as a word used for simple sign-ups. Think of it as the 'Register' button you see on websites. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember that it means you want to join something or get something. For example, if you want to join a Japanese class, you 'moushikomu'. You will often see it in its noun form, '申し込み' (moushikomi), on forms. It is a very useful word for basic survival in Japan because it is how you get things started, like a library card or a gym membership. Focus on the phrase '...o moushikomimasu' (I will apply for...). This level is about identifying the word in clear, simple contexts like 'Card o moushikomimasu' (I will apply for a card) or 'Kurasu ni moushikomimasu' (I will sign up for the class). You should also be able to recognize the kanji if possible, especially the second part 込 which looks like someone entering a space.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '申し込む' in more complete sentences and understand the particles that go with it. You should know that the thing you are applying for takes the particle 'o' (を), and the place you are applying to takes the particle 'ni' (に). For example: 'Gakkou ni moushikomimasu' (I apply to the school). You should also be comfortable with the past tense 'moushikomimashita' (applied) and the negative 'moushikomimasen' (won't apply). This level also introduces the idea of 'moushikomu' for social activities, like asking someone to play a game or join a small event. You are moving beyond just 'pushing a button' to describing the action of applying in your daily life. You might say, 'Kinou, tesuto o moushikomimashita' (Yesterday, I signed up for the test). It's also important to start distinguishing it from 'chuumon' (ordering food), which is a common point of confusion for A2 learners.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '申し込む' in professional and social settings with various grammatical structures. You should understand the potential form 'moushikomeru' (can apply) and the continuous form 'moushikonde iru' (is applying/has applied). You will encounter this word in business emails and more complex instructions. For example, 'Webusaito kara moushikonde kudasai' (Please apply via the website). At this level, you also learn the romantic and competitive nuances, such as 'kekkon o moushikomu' (propose marriage) or 'shiai o moushikomu' (challenge to a match). You should also be aware of the noun 'moushikomisho' (application form) and 'moushikomikin' (application fee). Your ability to use 'moushikomu' should extend to explaining *why* you are applying or asking about the *deadline* (shimekiri). You are now using the word to navigate the complexities of living or working in a Japanese-speaking environment.

At the B2 level, you understand the subtle differences between '申し込む' and its synonyms like 'oubo suru' (to apply for a competition) and 'shinsei suru' (to formally petition). You can use 'moushikomu' in the passive voice 'moushikomareru' to describe being on the receiving end of a request or proposal. You should also be comfortable using it in complex sentence structures, such as 'moushikonda ni mo kakawarazu' (despite having applied). Your vocabulary is enriched with related terms like 'moushikomi-bi' (application date) and 'moushikomi-naiyou' (application details). You can discuss the nuances of the word in literature or news reports, where it might describe a diplomatic request or a formal challenge between companies. At this level, you are expected to use the word with the correct register, knowing when 'moushikomu' is appropriate versus more formal or casual alternatives.

At the C1 level, you have a deep mastery of '申し込む' and its various idiomatic and metaphorical uses. You understand its role in historical contexts (like formal challenges between samurai) and can use it in high-level business negotiations. You are sensitive to the humble origins of the 'moushi' prefix and how it affects the tone of the sentence. You can analyze the difference between 'moushikomu' and 'moushide' (an offer/proposal) and use them accurately in legal or academic writing. You might encounter the word in complex legal disputes regarding whether a 'moushikomi' constitutes a binding contract. Your usage is flawless, and you can explain the cultural weight of a 'moushikomi' in Japanese society, such as the social pressure involved in 'kekkon o moushikomu'. You are also familiar with rare or archaic compounds involving these kanji.

At the C2 level, your understanding of '申し込む' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can appreciate the word's nuances in classical literature and its evolution through the centuries. You are capable of using the word in sophisticated rhetorical ways, perhaps using it metaphorically in a speech or a philosophical essay. You understand the legal intricacies of 'moushikomi' in the Japanese Civil Code and can discuss contract law using this terminology. You can also identify and use very specific, low-frequency collocations and archaic forms. Your mastery allows you to play with the word's meaning in creative writing or to deconstruct its use in political discourse. At this level, 'moushikomu' is not just a verb but a conceptual tool you use to describe the initiation of complex human and institutional relationships.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

申し込む in 30 Seconds

A versatile verb meaning to apply, sign up, or propose.
Used for everything from gym memberships to marriage proposals.
Combines 'moushi' (to say) and 'komu' (to go into).
Essential for navigating official and social processes in Japan.

The Japanese verb 申し込む (moushikomu) is a cornerstone of daily and professional interactions in Japan, representing the formal act of expressing one's intention to participate in, receive, or initiate something. At its core, it translates to 'to apply for' or 'to make a request,' but its nuance is deeply rooted in the structural way Japanese society handles agreements and services. When you use this word, you aren't just asking for a favor in a casual sense; you are entering a process. Whether you are a student applying for a language course, a professional requesting a meeting, or an individual seeking a new credit card, moushikomu is the bridge between your desire and the official start of that activity. The word is a compound verb, combining 申し (moushi), the stem of the humble verb 'to say' (mousu), and 込む (komu), which implies moving into or deeply into a state or place. Thus, the etymological spirit of the word is 'to speak into' a system or a relationship.

Social Context: In Japanese culture, the act of 'moushikomu' often involves a formal procedure, such as filling out a form (moushikomisho) or clicking a digital button on a website. It signifies a clear boundary where a casual inquiry becomes a committed request.

新しいクレジットカードを申し込むことにしました。(I decided to apply for a new credit card.)

Beyond administrative tasks, the word takes on a profound emotional weight in romantic contexts. The phrase kekkon o moushikomu (to propose marriage) uses this verb to describe the formal offer of one's life to another. Similarly, in sports, shiai o moushikomu means to challenge an opponent to a match. In all these cases, the common thread is the proactive, formal declaration of intent. When you are looking at a Japanese website and see a bright button that says '申し込み' (moushikomi), that is the noun form, meaning 'Application' or 'Sign up.' Understanding this word allows you to navigate everything from gym memberships to university entrance exams. It is not used for ordering food at a restaurant (that would be chuumon suru) or asking a friend for a small favor (that would be tanomu). It is reserved for 'entering' a formal arrangement.

Grammar Note: The particle 'ni' is often used to indicate the person or organization to whom the request is made, while 'o' marks the thing being applied for.

彼は彼女に結婚を申し込んだ。(He proposed marriage to her.)

ボランティア活動に申し込む。(To sign up for volunteer activities.)

In a digital age, moushikomu is ubiquitous. Every 'Subscribe' or 'Join' button in a Japanese interface is essentially a variation of this action. It carries a sense of forward motion—you are moving yourself into a new category: from an outsider to a participant. This is why the 'komu' (to go in) part of the verb is so descriptive. You are putting your name into the hat, your data into the database, or your heart into the proposal. It is a decisive action that starts a chain of events, often involving a waiting period for approval or acceptance.

Register: While 'moushikomu' is standard, in very formal business writing, you might see 'shinsei suru' (to apply/petition), but 'moushikomu' remains the most versatile and commonly heard term across all levels of politeness.

Using 申し込む (moushikomu) correctly requires understanding its transitive nature and the specific particles that govern its relationships with other words in a sentence. The most basic pattern is [Object] を申し込む, where the object is the service, event, or status you are seeking. For example, kyuuka o moushikomu (to apply for a vacation/leave). However, Japanese grammar often requires you to specify where or to whom you are applying. This is where the particle に (ni) comes into play. The full structure is typically [Recipient] に [Object] を申し込む.

Structural Example 1: 大学に奨学金を申し込む。(Apply to the university for a scholarship.) Here, 'University' is the recipient of the request, and 'Scholarship' is the item being requested.

ツアーの参加を申し込むときは、このフォームを使ってください。(When applying to participate in the tour, please use this form.)

It is also important to note the conjugation of this verb, as it is a Godan (Group 1) verb ending in '-mu'. In polite speech, it becomes 申し込みます (moushikomimasu). In the past tense, it is 申し込んだ (moushikonda). If you are currently in the process of applying, you would use the continuous form 申し込んでいます (moushikonde imasu). Let's look at how the meaning shifts slightly based on the object. If the object is kekkon (marriage), it is a proposal. If the object is shiai (match), it is a challenge. If the object is henkin (refund), it is a formal request for money back. The verb remains the same, but the social weight changes.

Structural Example 2: 彼は勇気を出して、ライバルに試合を申し込んだ。(He plucked up his courage and challenged his rival to a match.)

インターネットで修理を申し込むことができます。(You can apply for repairs via the internet.)

Another common usage is in the passive voice: 申し込まれる (moushikomareru). This is often used when someone is proposed to or when a company receives many applications. For instance, ninki no aru kurasu wa sugu ni moushikomareru (Popular classes are applied for immediately). This passive form emphasizes the action being directed at the subject.

Structural Example 3: そのイベントには、定員を超える人数が申し込んだ。(More people than the capacity applied for that event.)

Finally, consider the potential form 申し込める (moushikomeru), meaning 'can apply.' This is frequently seen on advertisements: ima nara muryou de moushikomeru (You can apply for free right now). Understanding these variations allows you to recognize the word in various contexts, from a simple 'apply now' button to a complex legal document.

締め切りまでに申し込まなければならない。(You must apply by the deadline.)

どこでそのコースに申し込めますか？(Where can I apply for that course?)

In Japan, 申し込む (moushikomu) is an 'everyday professional' word. It is not slang, but it is not so formal that it's restricted to legal texts. You will hear it most frequently in administrative settings. If you go to a city hall (kuyakusho) to register your address or apply for health insurance, the staff will use this word constantly. They might say, 'Kochira de moushikonde kudasai' (Please apply here). In the realm of education, students hear this word regarding exams (shiken o moushikomu), clubs (bukatsu ni moushikomu), and seminars.

Daily Life: When signing up for a gym, a point card at a grocery store, or even a home delivery service, the verb used is almost always 'moushikomu'. It denotes the beginning of a service contract.

「新しい講座に申し込もうと思っているんだ。」(I'm thinking of signing up for a new course.)

In the business world, moushikomu is used for B2B interactions. A company might 'moushikomu' for a partnership or a booth at a trade show. It is also common in human resources; when an employee wants to take a specific training session or apply for internal job postings, they 'moushikomu'. Interestingly, you also hear this word in the context of television and radio. When a show asks viewers to 'send in' their stories or enter a sweepstakes, they use 'moushikomu' or its noun form 'moushikomi'. The word also appears in traditional and modern social customs. In the world of martial arts (like Judo or Kendo), challenging a teacher or a higher-ranked student to a practice bout is called 'keiko o moushikomu'. This shows the word's versatility—it's not just about paper forms; it's about the formal initiation of an interaction.

Entertainment: In Japanese dramas (J-Dramas), the climax often involves a character 'moushikomu'-ing their feelings (specifically 'proposing'). It is a high-stakes, high-emotion word in these contexts.

「昨日、ついに彼女に結婚を申し込んだよ！」(Yesterday, I finally proposed to her!)

Online, the word is everywhere. Look at the bottom of any service page in Japan. You will see buttons like 'お申し込みはこちら' (Apply here). It is the standard UX (User Experience) term for 'Sign Up', 'Register', or 'Buy' when the purchase involves a process (like a subscription). Understanding this word is essential for anyone living in Japan or using Japanese websites, as it is the 'go' button for almost every official activity.

「キャンセル待ちを申し込むことはできますか？」(Is it possible to apply for the waiting list?)

「電話で申し込むのが一番早いです。」(Applying by phone is the fastest.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 申し込む (moushikomu) is confusing it with other 'requesting' verbs like tanomu or negau. While all three involve asking for something, their usage is strictly defined by the context. Tanomu is used for favors between people (e.g., 'Can you help me with this box?'). Negau is more of a wish or a high-level formal request (e.g., 'I pray for peace' or 'I beg your kindness'). Moushikomu, however, is procedural. You wouldn't 'moushikomu' a friend to lend you five dollars; that would sound like you're trying to set up a formal loan agreement with paperwork.

Mistake 1: Casual Favors: Incorrect: 友達に宿題を申し込んだ。(I applied to my friend for homework.) Correct: 友達に宿題を頼んだ。(I asked my friend for help with homework.)

誤用：レストランでピザを申し込む。
正用：レストランでピザを注文する。(Order pizza at a restaurant.)

Another common error involves the particle に (ni). Learners often use to (with) when they should use ni (to). For example, if you are applying to a company, it is kaisha ni moushikomu. Using kaisha to moushikomu would imply you and the company are together applying for something else, which is rarely the intended meaning. Learners also struggle with the difference between moushikomu and oubo suru (to apply/enter). Oubo suru is specifically used for competitions, job advertisements, or lotteries where there is a selection process among many candidates. Moushikomu is broader; you can 'moushikomu' for a credit card (where you expect to get it if you meet criteria) or a date. If you say you 'oubo suru' to a date, it sounds like the person is holding a public audition for a partner!

Mistake 2: Job Applications: While you can 'moushikomu' for an interview, the act of applying for a job opening is usually 'oubo suru'. Using 'moushikomu' for a job feels slightly like you're signing up for a service rather than competing for a position.

間違い：仕事に申し込んだ。
正しい：仕事に（または求人に）応募した。

Finally, be careful with the humble nature of the first kanji 申. While moushikomu itself is a standard verb used by everyone, the verb mousu (to say) is humble. You shouldn't use mousu to describe what your boss said, but you can use moushikomu to describe your boss applying for something. The compound verb has become its own neutral-polite entity. However, avoid over-formalizing it in casual situations where a simple 'do' (yaru/suru) might suffice.

「友達にデートを申し込む」は少し硬い表現ですが、真剣な感じが伝わります。(Using 'moushikomu' for a date is a bit stiff, but it conveys a sense of seriousness.)

Understanding the synonyms for 申し込む (moushikomu) helps you choose the right word for the right level of formality and context. The most common alternative is 応募する (oubo suru). As mentioned, oubo is used when there is a limited number of slots or a prize to be won. You oubo for a job, a contest, or a lottery. In contrast, you moushikomu for a service where, generally, anyone who qualifies can join.

Comparison: Oubo vs. Moushikomu: Oubo (応募) = Public appeal, competition, limited slots. Moushikomu (申し込む) = Individual request, service sign-up, general application.

懸賞に応募する。(To enter a sweepstakes.) vs 塾に申し込む。(To sign up for a cram school.)

Another similar word is 申請する (shinsei suru). This is the 'heavyweight' version of applying. It is used for government documents, visas, passports, and official permits. While you moushikomu for a gym membership, you shinsei for a building permit. Shinsei implies a formal review by an authority. For requests that are more like 'proposing an idea' rather than 'applying for a service', you might use 提案する (teian suru). If you are asking someone to do something for you in a business context, 依頼する (irai suru) is the professional way to say 'request'.

Comparison Table: 1. 申し込む: General applications, services, proposals.
2. 応募する: Competitions, jobs, limited entries.
3. 申請する: Government, legal, formal petitions.
4. 依頼する: Requesting work or professional favors.
5. 注文する: Ordering goods or food.

ビザを申請する。(To apply for a visa.)

In romantic contexts, while kekkon o moushikomu is 'to propose marriage', a more modern and common word for 'asking someone out' is kokuhaku suru (to confess one's feelings). Moushikomu in romance sounds very traditional and definitive, whereas kokuhaku is the standard way to start a relationship.

「彼は新しい企画を会社に提案した。」(He proposed a new project to the company.)

「翻訳を専門家に依頼した。」(I requested a translation from a professional.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'moushi' part is the same one used in 'Moshi Moshi' on the phone! It comes from 'mousu', meaning 'I am speaking'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /məʊ.ʃi.kɒ.muː/

US /moʊ.ʃi.koʊ.muː/

The pitch accent in standard Japanese (Tokyo) is 'moushikomu' [0] (Heiban style), meaning the pitch starts low and stays high.

Rhymes With

Nomu (to drink) Yomu (to read) Sumu (to live) Kumu (to scoop/braid)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'moushi' as 'moshi' (the greeting). Make sure to hold the 'o' sound longer.
Stress on the wrong syllable. Keep the pitch flat after the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji are common and learned early, but the compound meaning is specific.

Writing 3/5

The kanji 'mousu' and 'komu' require some practice for balance.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but pitch accent matters.

Listening 1/5

Very easy to recognize in commercials and announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

言う (iu) 入る (hairu) する (suru) を (particle) に (particle)

Learn Next

応募 (oubo) 申請 (shinsei) 登録 (touroku) 契約 (keiyaku) 受理 (juri)

Advanced

申し出る (moushide ru) 申し受ける (moushiukeru) 申し付ける (moushitsukeru)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs (V-stem + komu)

飛び込む (tobikomu - dive in), 飲み込む (nomikomu - swallow).

Humble Prefix 'Moushi-'

申し上げる (moushiageru - to say/state humbly).

Potential Form of Godan Verbs

申し込める (moushikomeru - can apply).

Passive Form for 'Being Asked'

申し込まれる (moushikomareru - to be requested/proposed to).

Te-oku (Preparation)

申し込んでおく (Apply in advance).

Examples by Level

カードを申し込む。

I apply for a card.

Simple object + verb structure.

クラスに申し込む。

I sign up for the class.

The particle 'ni' indicates the target.

申し込みはどこですか？

Where is the application?

Using the noun form 'moushikomi'.

ここで申し込みます。

I will apply here.

Polite form 'moushikomimasu'.

明日、申し込む。

I will apply tomorrow.

Future intent in plain form.

メールで申し込む。

Apply by email.

The particle 'de' indicates the method.

名前を書いて申し込む。

Write your name and apply.

Te-form 'kaite' used to sequence actions.

もう申し込みましたか？

Have you already applied?

Past tense question.

新しいジムに申し込みたいです。

I want to sign up for a new gym.

'~tai' form expresses desire.

友達と一緒に申し込んだ。

I applied together with my friend.

'Issho ni' means 'together'.

電話で申し込みをしました。

I made an application by phone.

'Moushikomi o suru' is a common noun + verb phrase.

インターネットで簡単に申し込めます。

You can apply easily on the internet.

Potential form 'moushikomeru'.

申し込みの締め切りはいつですか？

When is the application deadline?

'Shimekiri' means deadline.

このフォームから申し込んでください。

Please apply using this form.

'~te kudasai' for a polite request.

まだ申し込んでいません。

I haven't applied yet.

Negative continuous form.

バスツアーに申し込みました。

I signed up for a bus tour.

Past tense polite form.

奨学金を大学に申し込むことにした。

I decided to apply for a scholarship to the university.

'~koto ni shita' indicates a decision.

キャンセル待ちを申し込んでおきました。

I applied for the waiting list in advance.

'~te oku' indicates doing something in preparation.

彼は彼女に結婚を申し込んだ。

He proposed marriage to her.

Specific romantic usage.

修理を申し込む前に、値段を確認してください。

Before applying for repairs, please check the price.

'~mae ni' means 'before'.

ボランティア活動に申し込む人が増えています。

The number of people signing up for volunteer activities is increasing.

Relative clause modifying 'hito'.

間違いがあったので、もう一度申し込みます。

There was a mistake, so I will apply once more.

'Mou ichido' means 'once more'.

このボタンを押すと、すぐに申し込めます。

If you press this button, you can apply immediately.

Conditional '~to' structure.

申し込みに必要な書類を教えてください。

Please tell me the documents necessary for the application.

'Hitsuyou na' means 'necessary'.

定員に達したため、申し込むことができなかった。

Because the capacity was reached, I could not apply.

'~tame' indicates a reason.

その試合は、彼の方から申し込んできた。

That match was challenged from his side.

'~te kita' indicates the action coming toward the speaker.

申し込みが殺到し、サーバーがダウンした。

Applications flooded in, and the server went down.

'Sattou' means a flood or rush of things.

再三申し込んだが、返事はなかった。

I applied repeatedly, but there was no reply.

'Saisan' means repeatedly.

彼女は多くの男性から結婚を申し込まれている。

She is being proposed to by many men.

Passive voice 'moushikomareru'.

申し込みをキャンセルする場合は、手数料がかかります。

If you cancel your application, a fee will be charged.

'Baai wa' indicates a specific case.

彼はライバルに正式に決闘を申し込んだ。

He formally challenged his rival to a duel.

'Seishiki ni' means formally.

申し込み内容をよく確認してから、送信してください。

Please check the application details carefully before sending.

'~te kara' means 'after doing'.

不当な解雇に対し、異議を申し込む。

To file an objection against an unfair dismissal.

Legal/Formal usage of 'moushikomu'.

彼はその計画の中止を強く申し出た。

He strongly proposed (offered) the cancellation of the plan.

Related word 'moushide' (to offer/propose).

申し込みの撤回は、書面で行う必要がある。

Withdrawal of the application must be done in writing.

'Tekkai' means withdrawal.

その契約の申し込みは、有効期限が切れている。

The offer for that contract has expired.

'Yuukou kigen' means expiration date.

彼は自らの過ちを認め、辞任を申し込んだ。

He admitted his own mistake and requested to resign.

'Jinin' means resignation.

裁判所に調停を申し込む手続きを進める。

Proceed with the procedures to apply for mediation at the court.

'Choutei' means mediation.

申し込みの意思表示が明確でなかったため、無効とされた。

Because the declaration of intent to apply was not clear, it was ruled invalid.

'Ishi hyouji' means declaration of intent.

彼はそのプロジェクトへの参画を熱心に申し込んだ。

He eagerly applied for participation in that project.

'Sankaku' means participation in a project.

条約の締結を申し込む外交上の手続き。

Diplomatic procedures to propose the conclusion of a treaty.

High-level political usage.

彼はその沈黙を破り、ついに和解を申し込んだ。

He broke the silence and finally proposed a reconciliation.

Metaphorical/Emotional usage.

申し込みの瑕疵により、契約は遡及的に無効となった。

Due to a defect in the application, the contract became retroactively invalid.

'Kashi' means defect; 'sokyuuteki' means retroactively.

その申し込みは、公序良俗に反すると見なされた。

The application was deemed to violate public order and morals.

'Koujo ryouzoku' is a legal term.

彼はその難攻不落の城に対し、開城を申し込んだ。

He requested the surrender (opening) of that impregnable castle.

Archaic/Historical context.

申し込みの受理を拒否する正当な理由が求められる。

A legitimate reason to refuse the acceptance of the application is required.

'Juri' means acceptance of a document.

彼はその事業の譲渡を正式に申し込んだ。

He formally applied for the transfer of that business.

'Jouto' means transfer/assignment.

申し込みと承諾の合致により、契約が成立する。

A contract is formed by the matching of an offer and an acceptance.

Legal definition of contract formation.

Common Collocations

結婚を申し込む

試合を申し込む

カードを申し込む

塾に申し込む

キャンセル待ちを申し込む

修理を申し込む

寄付を申し込む

面会を申し込む

参加を申し込む

異議を申し込む

Common Phrases

申し込みフォーム

— The digital or physical form used to apply.

この申し込みフォームに入力してください。

申し込み締め切り

— The final date or time for applications.

申し込み締め切りは金曜日です。

申し込み手数料

— The fee required to process an application.

申し込み手数料は無料です。

お申し込みはこちら

— A common phrase on websites meaning 'Apply here'.

お申し込みはこちらのボタンをクリック。

申し込み順

— In order of application (first-come, first-served).

申し込み順に受け付けます。

申し込みを撤回する

— To take back or withdraw an application.

間違えたので申し込みを撤回した。

申し込みを受け付ける

— To accept or process applications.

ただいま申し込みを受け付けております。

仮申し込み

— A preliminary or tentative application.

まずは仮申し込みをしてください。

申し込み殺到

— A flood or rush of applications.

申し込み殺到につき、受付を終了しました。

申し込み完了

— Application completed.

申し込み完了のメールが届きました。

Often Confused With

申し込む vs 応募する (oubo suru)

Oubo is for competitions/jobs; Moushikomu is for services/requests.

申し込む vs 注文する (chuumon suru)

Chuumon is for ordering goods/food; Moushikomu is for agreements/memberships.

申し込む vs 誘う (sasou)

Sasou is a casual invitation; Moushikomu is a formal challenge or proposal.

Idioms & Expressions

"申し込みをかける"

— To actively reach out to make a request or proposal.

取引先に商談の申し込みをかける。

Business

"一肌脱いで申し込む"

— To take the initiative and make a request to help someone.

彼のために私が申し込みをかけた。

Informal

"無理を申し込む"

— To make an unreasonable request.

お忙しいところ無理を申し込んで申し訳ありません。

Formal

"正式に申し込む"

— To make a request through official channels.

口頭ではなく、正式に申し込んでください。

Neutral

"矢の催促で申し込む"

— To apply or request something with great urgency.

矢の催促で修理を申し込んだ。

Literary

"二つ返事で申し込む"

— To apply or agree to a request immediately and gladly.

彼は二つ返事で参加を申し込んだ。

Idiomatic

"泣きを申し込む"

— To beg for mercy or ask for a compromise.

彼は借金の延納を泣きで申し込んだ。

Rare/Slang

"申し込むに及ばず"

— No need to apply (it is already granted).

許可はすでに得ているので、申し込むに及ばない。

Formal

"申し込みの口実"

— A pretext or excuse used to make a request.

彼は彼女に会うための申し込みの口実を探した。

Neutral

"申し込みを渋る"

— To be hesitant about applying or making a request.

彼は高い手数料のせいで申し込みを渋っている。

Neutral

Easily Confused

申し込む vs 頼む (tanomu)

Both mean 'to request'.

Tanomu is for personal favors; Moushikomu is for procedural requests.

友達にペンを借りるのを頼む。

申し込む vs 願う (negau)

Both involve asking for something.

Negau is a wish or prayer; Moushikomu is a formal application.

平和を願う。

申し込む vs 請求する (seikyuu suru)

Both involve asking for something from a company.

Seikyuu is specifically for billing/demanding payment; Moushikomu is for starting a service.

代金を請求する。

申し込む vs 志願する (shigan suru)

Both mean 'to apply'.

Shigan implies a strong personal desire or volunteer spirit; Moushikomu is more neutral.

ボランティアに志願する。

申し込む vs 提案する (teian suru)

Both mean 'to propose'.

Teian is for ideas/plans; Moushikomu is for marriage or challenges.

新しいルールを提案する。

Sentence Patterns

[Object] を申し込む。

カードを申し込む。

[Target] に申し込む。

ジムに申し込む。

[Target] に [Object] を申し込む。

大学に奨学金を申し込む。

[Verb-dict] のを申し込む。

参加するのを申し込む。

[Object] を申し込まれる。

結婚を申し込まれる。

[Object] を申し込んでおく。

チケットを申し込んでおく。

[Object] の申し込みを撤回する。

契約の申し込みを撤回する。

[Object] の申し込みが受理される。

譲渡の申し込みが受理される。

Word Family

Nouns

申し込み (moushikomi) - Application

申込者 (moushikomisha) - Applicant

申込書 (moushikomisho) - Application form

Verbs

申し込む (moushikomu) - To apply

申し出る (moushide ru) - To offer/propose

申し伝える (moushitsu taeru) - To convey a message (humble)

申す (mousu) - To say (humble)

込む (komu) - To go into

申し合わせる (moushiawaseru) - To arrange/agree

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in daily, business, and romantic life.

Common Mistakes

Using 'to' instead of 'ni' for the target. → Gakkou ni moushikomu.
The target of the application always takes the destination particle 'ni'.
Using 'moushikomu' for ordering pizza. → Piza o chuumon suru.
'Moushikomu' is for services and agreements, not for purchasing goods or food.
Forgetting the 'u' in 'moushi'. → Moushikomu (not Moshikomu).
'Moshi' is a greeting; 'Moushi' is the humble verb stem for 'say'.
Using 'moushikomu' for a casual favor. → Tomodachi ni tanomu.
'Moushikomu' is too formal for asking a friend to help you move a chair.
Using 'moushikomu' for a job application. → Oubo suru.
While not strictly wrong, 'oubo suru' is the standard term for job hunting.

Tips

Particle Mastery

Remember: Target に + Object を + 申し込む. This is the golden rule for this verb.

Deadlines Matter

In Japan, 'moushikomi' deadlines are very strict. Don't be late!

Noun Usage

Look for the noun '申し込み' on websites; it's often the most important button.

Kanji Balance

The kanji 込 should have a slightly wider radical to look natural.

Pitch Accent

Keep your pitch steady (Heiban) when saying 'moushikomu' to sound like a native.

Formal Emails

Use 'moushikomi o itashitaku zonjimasu' for extremely formal requests.

Serious Intent

Using 'moushikomu' for a date implies you are very serious about the person.

Compound Verbs

Study other '-komu' verbs like 'tobikomu' to understand the 'into' nuance.

UI Terms

'Moushikomi kanryou' means your application was successful. Look for it!

Challenges

In games, 'shiai o moushikomu' is a cool, confident way to challenge someone.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Moushi' (I say) + 'Komu' (Go in). You are 'saying' your name 'into' the box.

Visual Association

Imagine a person speaking into a megaphone that is pointed directly into a mailbox.

Word Web

Application Sign up Propose Challenge Request Form Deadline Register

Challenge

Try to find three buttons on a Japanese website that contain the characters 申し or 込 today.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of 'mousu' (to say, in humble form) and 'komu' (to enter/go into). It dates back to the Edo period in its modern sense.

Original meaning: To speak your intent into a formal record or to a superior.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'moushikomu' for favors; it can sound too cold or transactional if used with close friends.

In English, we use different words for 'apply', 'sign up', 'propose', and 'challenge'. In Japanese, 'moushikomu' covers all of these if they are formal actions.

The 'moushikomi' button on the popular Japanese site Rakuten. The 'Marriage Proposal' scenes in the anime 'Itazura na Kiss'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Gym

入会を申し込む (Apply for membership)
体験コースに申し込む (Sign up for a trial)
退会を申し込む (Apply to cancel)
申し込み書を書く (Write application form)

Online Shopping/Services

定期購入を申し込む (Sign up for subscription)
メルマガに申し込む (Sign up for newsletter)
申し込みを確定する (Confirm application)
申し込みボタン (Apply button)

Romance

プロポーズを申し込む (Propose)
デートを申し込む (Ask on a date)
交際を申し込む (Ask to be in a relationship)
真剣に申し込む (Propose seriously)

Sports/Games

対戦を申し込む (Challenge to a battle)
再試合を申し込む (Request a rematch)
エントリーを申し込む (Apply for entry)
チームに申し込む (Apply to a team)

Office/Admin

休暇を申し込む (Apply for leave)
会議室の利用を申し込む (Apply for room use)
経費精算を申し込む (Apply for expenses)
面談を申し込む (Request a meeting)

Conversation Starters

"「このイベントに申し込みましたか？」 (Did you apply for this event?)"

"「どうやって申し込めばいいですか？」 (How should I apply?)"

"「申し込みの締め切りはいつですか？」 (When is the application deadline?)"

"「ネットで申し込むのと、電話で申し込むの、どちらが早いですか？」 (Is it faster to apply online or by phone?)"

"「彼はついに彼女に結婚を申し込んだらしいですよ。」 (I heard he finally proposed to her.)"

Journal Prompts

今日は新しい趣味のために、クラスに申し込みました。 (Today I signed up for a class for a new hobby.)

将来、どんなことに申し込んでみたいですか？ (What kind of things do you want to apply for in the future?)

今までで一番緊張した「申し込み」は何ですか？ (What was the most nerve-wracking 'application' you've ever made?)

日本の申し込み手続きについて、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about application procedures in Japan?)

最近、何かをキャンセル（申し込みを撤回）したことはありますか？ (Have you cancelled/withdrawn an application recently?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for food you should use 'chuumon suru'. 'Moushikomu' is for formal services or agreements.

The 'moushi' part is humble, but the verb 'moushikomu' itself is neutral-polite and can be used by anyone.

The standard phrase is 'kekkon o moushikomu'.

The noun form is 'moushikomi' (申し込み).

It takes the particle 'ni' (に). For example, 'Gakkou ni moushikomu'.

'Oubo' is for contests or jobs with many applicants. 'Moushikomu' is for general services.

Yes, 'deeto o moushikomu' is possible, though 'sasou' or 'kokuhaku' are more common for casual situations.

It means 'application form'.

It is a Group 1 (Godan) verb.

Use the potential form: 'moushikomeru'.