Meaning
to apply; to sign up; to register; to submit an application
Nuance & Usage
申し込む is a formal verb meaning to apply for or sign up for something. The noun form 申し込み (moushikomi — application/registration) is equally important. Common expressions: 申し込みをする (to apply), 申し込み用紙 (application form), 申し込み締め切り (application deadline), 申し込みを取り消す (to cancel an application). Used for: job applications (仕事に申し込む), course registration (授業に申し込む), event sign-ups, and service applications.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 申し込む (to formally apply/sign up — more official) with 登録する (touroku suru — to register, often for accounts/systems) or 参加する (sanka suru — to participate). 申し込む implies submitting an official request; after申し込む, acceptance is not guaranteed. Also: the humble prefix お can be added: お申し込みはこちら (Apply here — formal, used on websites). The particle is に: このコースに申し込みたいです。
Example Sentences
日本語のクラスに申し込みました。
にほんごのくらすにもうしこみました。
I applied for a Japanese class.
このイベントはどうやって申し込めばいいですか？
このいべんとはどうやってもうしこめばいいですか？
How do I sign up for this event?
奨学金の申し込みは来月の一日が締め切りです。
しょうがくきんのもうしこみはらいげつのついたちがしめきりです。
The application deadline for the scholarship is the first of next month.
Quick Quiz
N34 questionsTest your knowledge of 申し込む with 4 different question types.
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