The Meaning of gansho [願書] In Japanese

願書
がんしょ
Romaji: gansho N4

What does 願書 mean?

Translation and Meaning

application form, petition (for admission/enrollment)

Definition

What does 願書 mean? A 願書 is a formal written request submitted to an organization, typically to seek admission, enrollment, or permission.

Type

noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Primary meaning: a formal written request to enroll, apply, or seek permission from an institution or organization.
  • Contextual uses: commonly used for school admissions, scholarship applications, and official petitions; less common for casual requests.
  • Contents: typically collects personal data, educational history, purpose or statement of intent, and supporting documents.

Etymology

願 means wish or request; 書 means writing or document; the compound forms a noun referring to a written request expressing a wish.

Composition

  • 願: wish, desire; kun reading negau
  • 書: writing, document; on reading sho
  • Combined meaning: a written expression of a wish or request to an organization

Usage

Used in formal admissions and petitions to institutions or government bodies. It is appropriate for formal contexts and is usually accompanied by supporting materials. Typical uses involve applying for enrollment, scholarships, or permissions; it is not used in casual correspondence.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: visualize writing a personal wish on paper to present to an authority; the first character signals a wish, the second signals writing, so together they equal a written wish sent as a request.

Variations

  • 志願書 (shigan sho): application form for admission
  • 出願書 (shutsugan sho): application form for admission or registration
  • 申込書 (moushikomi sho): application or registration form

Example Phrases

  • 大学の願書を今日、窓口で無事提出した。
    Daigaku no gansho o kyou, madoguchi de buji teishutsu shita.
    Today I safely submitted my university application at the counter.
    Lista:
    • 大学 (daigaku) – university
    • の (no) – particle
    • 願書 (gansho) – application form
    • を (wo) – object marker
    • 今日 (kyou) – today
    • 窓口 (madoguchi) – counter
    • で (de) – at
    • 無事 (buji) – safely
    • 提出 (teishutsu) – submission
    • した (shita) – did
    The word 「願書」 means an application form; here it is the object of 提出した, marked by を.
願書