Translation guide
The English word "applicant" refers to a person who formally applies for something, such as a job, school, or license. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this depends on the context. Direct translations exist but are often replaced by more specific terms or descriptive phrases.
Referring to someone who has applied for a job, position, or employment.
Standard term for a job applicant. Used in formal contexts like recruitment.
The applicant passed the document screening.
Often used for applicants to schools or specific positions, emphasizing aspiration.
Many applicants came for the interview.
Specifically a job seeker or applicant in the context of employment.
The applicant registered at Hello Work.
Referring to someone who has applied to a school, university, or educational program.
Referring to someone who applies for a license, visa, permit, or similar official approval.
General term for an applicant in administrative or legal contexts.
The applicant is waiting for the visa to be issued.
When the context is not specific, or you want a generic term for someone who applies.
Can be used for applicants to various things like courses, memberships, etc.
Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
A more colloquial way to say 'the person who applied'. Useful in casual conversation.
We will choose from among the applicants.
In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers often avoid using a specific noun like 'applicant' and instead use a descriptive phrase such as 応募した人 (the person who applied) or simply refer to the person by name or role. Using a formal term like 応募者 in casual chat may sound stiff.
応募者 is used for competitive applications like jobs or contests, while 申請者 is for administrative applications like visas or permits. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
出願者は必要書類を提出した。
The applicant submitted the required documents.