Translation and Meaning of: 応募 - oubo

The Japanese word 応募[おうぼ] is a very useful term for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its meaning is directly related to everyday situations, especially in professional and academic environments. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is written in kanji, its origin, and some practical usage examples. Additionally, you will discover how to memorize it effectively and understand its role in Japanese communication.

Meaning and use of 応募[おうぼ]

応募[おうぼ] is a verb that means "to apply", "to register", or "to enroll". It is often used in contexts such as job openings, contests, raffles, and even cultural events. In Japan, where formality and selection processes are taken seriously, this word frequently appears in advertisements and forms.

An interesting detail is that 応募 carries a more formal tone than simply saying "to participate". For example, when applying for a job, it is more common to use 応募する than other more generic terms. This demonstrates how the Japanese language values precision in specific situations.

The origin and writing in kanji

The composition of 応募 in kanji helps to understand its meaning. The first character, 応, means "to respond" or "to correspond," while 募 can be translated as "to recruit" or "to summon." Together, they form the idea of "responding to a call," which makes perfect sense in the context of applications and registrations.

It is worth noting that 応募 is not an old or rare word. It is present in modern Japanese and is widely recognized, both in writing and in speech. Its usage is so common that you will hardly find job advertisements or announcements without it.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fix 応募 in memory is to associate it with real situations. For example, when you see a job advertisement in Japanese, notice how the word appears in sentences like 求人に応募する (to apply for a position). This type of contextualization helps to internalize the term naturally.

Another tip is to practice writing the kanji separately. 応, for example, appears in other words like 応援[おうえん] (to cheer, to support), while 募 is used in 募集[ぼしゅう] (recruitment). Recognizing these patterns makes learning easier and expands the vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 応募する (ōbo suru) - apply (for a job or position)
• 応募者 (ōbosha) - candidate (one who applies)
• 応募書類 (ōbo shorui) - application documents
• 応募条件 (ōbo jōken) - application criteria
• 応募期間 (ōbo kikan) - application period

応募

Romaji: oubo
Kana: おうぼ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: signature; application

Meaning in English: subscription;application

Definition: Participate in job vacancies, competitions, etc.