The Meaning of moushikomu [申し込む] In Japanese

申し込む
もうしこむ
Romaji: moushikomu N3

What does 申し込む mean?

Translation and Meaning

to apply, to submit an application, to sign up, to enroll, to bid

Definition

What does 申し込む mean? It means to apply or submit an application; to express a wish to participate or request something by officially presenting it. The action is typically directed toward a program, job, service, event, or bid and implies a proactive step to be considered or accepted.

Type

Verb (godan, u-verb)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • to apply for a job, school admission, training, or any program
  • to sign up or enroll for a service, event, or membership
  • to submit a formal application or proposal to an authority or organization
  • to place a bid or offer in an auction or competition

Etymology

申 (mōsu/mousu) + 込 (komu) form 申し込む, reflecting the act of stating a request and pushing it forward.

Origin

Earliest attestations date from classical Japanese; the usage developed in formal and bureaucratic contexts, later expanding to modern job applications, enrollments, and bidding processes.

Composition

  • 申: to say; root of speaking, used to form formal verbs such as 申し
  • 込: to push in; enter or insert, indicating the act of presenting or submitting

Usage

  • used with に to indicate the target of the application
  • primarily in formal or written contexts
  • common in job applications, school admissions, event registrations, and bids
  • in casual speech, alternatives like エントリーする or 応募する may be preferred depending on nuance
💡 Tips
  • Mnemonic: 申 is saying; 込む is pushing in — combine to remember that applying means saying your request and pushing it forward.

Variations

  • 応募する (おうぼする) – oubo suru – to apply, especially for jobs or programs
  • 申請する (しんせいする) – shinsei suru – to apply for official permission or benefits
  • エントリーする (エントリーする) – entorii suru – to enter a competition or sign up
  • 申し出る (もうしでる) – mousideru – to offer or propose
申し込む