Translation guide
The English verb 'appoint' is used to describe formally assigning someone to a position, role, or task, or setting a time/place for an event. In Japanese, the expression depends heavily on the context: assigning a person to an official post, designating someone for a role, or scheduling a meeting. Direct translation is often unnatural; instead, use specific verbs and constructions.
We appointed him as the new department head.
The president plans to appoint her as the next CEO.
Often used for nominating or designating someone for a position, especially in elections or committees. Slightly less formal than 任命する.
He was appointed (nominated) as the next chairman.
Means 'to install someone in a post' or 'to have someone assume office'. Used in very formal announcements.
The new president will be appointed (installed) next month.
To choose someone to do a specific job or be in charge of something, often temporarily or informally.
Means 'to entrust' or 'to leave something to someone'. Very common for assigning tasks or responsibilities, implying trust.
Let's appoint him to this project. (Let's leave this project to him.)
Means 'to put someone in charge of' a specific duty or section. Common in workplace settings.
Literally 'to give a role'. Used when assigning a specific function or part in a project or event.
To decide on and announce when or where something will happen.
The most common and versatile verb for 'decide' or 'set'. Use with time/place words.
Let's appoint a date and time for the meeting.
We appointed next Wednesday for the next meeting.
Means 'to set up' or 'to establish'. More formal, often used for schedules, deadlines, or systems.
Means 'to designate' or 'to specify'. Used when officially naming a time or place, often in rules or contracts.
English 'appoint a time' cannot be directly translated as 時間を任命する. Use 決める, 設定する, or 指定する instead.
We appointed a time for the meeting.
任命する is for formal, official appointments to positions. 任せる is for entrusting tasks or responsibilities, and is more common in daily conversation.
Appoint him as committee chair. (formal)
We appointed Ms. Yamada as the MC. (We left the MC role to Ms. Yamada.)
We appointed him to handle accounting.
We appointed each member a role.
Please appoint a date for the interview.
The court appointed a date.
Appoint him to this task. (entrust)