Translation guide
How to express 'nominate' in Japanese, covering formal proposals, casual suggestions, and official appointments.
To officially suggest a person as a candidate for something like a job, prize, or election.
The most common and versatile word for 'nominate' in the sense of recommending someone for a position, award, or school. It implies a formal or semi-formal recommendation.
I nominate him for chairman.
She was nominated for the Nobel Prize.
Used when officially naming or designating someone for a specific role, often in formal settings like meetings, elections, or appointments. It emphasizes the act of naming the person.
The chairperson nominated him as successor.
A loanword from English, commonly used in entertainment and awards contexts (e.g., film, music). It sounds modern and is widely understood.
The movie was nominated for an Academy Award.
To informally put forward someone's name for a job, duty, or position, often in everyday conversation.
Even in casual contexts, 推薦する works well. It can be used among friends or colleagues when suggesting someone for a task.
I nominate Mr. Tanaka for the next leader.
A casual, slangy verb meaning 'to recommend' or 'to back' someone, often used in fan culture (e.g., idol groups). It can imply 'nominate' in a very informal sense.
To formally assign someone to a role, especially in government, business, or organizations, where the person is chosen rather than elected.
The standard term for 'appoint' or 'nominate' when someone is officially placed in a position by an authority. It implies a binding decision.
The president nominated him as ambassador. (i.e., appointed him)
She was nominated as the new department head.
Overlaps with 任命する but often used when the nomination is announced or designated, especially in formal proceedings. It can also imply a nomination that requires confirmation.
The prime minister nominated a new minister.
推薦 (suisen) is a recommendation, often with the nuance of endorsing someone's qualities. 指名 (shimei) is the act of naming or designating someone, often in a formal setting like a meeting. 任命 (ninmei) is an official appointment, usually by a person in authority, and is binding. For awards and prizes, 推薦 or ノミネート are most natural. For political candidates, 指名 is common. For job appointments, 任命 is standard.
I recommend/nominate him for chairperson.
The chair designated/nominated him as successor.
The president appointed him as department head.
He was nominated as a presidential candidate.
I nominate him for leader! (lit. I back him for leader)