Meaning
to apply for; to make a reservation; to request; to sign up for
Nuance & Usage
申し込む is the standard verb for making a formal application or request — for a job, class, service, event, or subscription. 入会を申し込む (to apply for membership), 試験に申し込む (to register for an exam), ツアーを申し込む (to book a tour) are common uses. The noun 申し込み (moushikomi — application, registration) is widely seen on forms and websites: お申し込みはこちら (Apply here). 申込書 (moushikomisho) is an application form. The word is the formal equivalent of 申請する (shinsei suru — to file an application, more bureaucratic).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 申し込む with 申請する (shinsei suru — to formally apply/petition, used for official/governmental applications) and 予約する (yoyaku suru — to make a reservation, for restaurants, hotels, doctors). 申し込む covers a wider range: course registration, job applications, service signups. The particle for what you're applying for is に or を: 〜に申し込む or 〜を申し込む. The polite form お申し込みください (please apply) is very common in formal notices.
Example Sentences
来月の日本語講座に申し込みたいのですが、まだ空きがありますか？
らいつきのにほんごこうざにもうしこみたいのですが、まだあきがありますか？
I'd like to apply for next month's Japanese course — are there still spots available?
インターンシップに申し込んだが、まだ返事がきていない。
いんたーんしっぷにもうしこんだが、まだへんじがきていない。
I applied for the internship, but I haven't heard back yet.
お申し込みは締め切り前に必ずお済ませください。
おもうしこみはしめきりまえにかならずおすませください。
Please be sure to complete your application before the deadline.
Quick Quiz
N24 questionsTest your knowledge of 申し込む with 4 different question types.
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