Translation guide
The English verb 'submit' has several distinct meanings: to present something for review (like a form or report), to yield or give in to authority, and to propose or suggest something formally. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each use.
To hand in, turn in, or send a document, application, report, or assignment for evaluation or processing.
The most common and neutral verb for submitting physical or digital documents, homework, applications, etc. Used in school, work, and official contexts.
Please submit the report by tomorrow.
I submitted the application form.
A more casual, everyday verb meaning 'to put out' or 'to hand in'. Commonly used for homework, reports, or resignations. Less formal than 提出する.
Did you submit your homework?
I submitted my resignation letter yesterday.
Specifically for submitting data or forms electronically, such as clicking a 'submit' button online. Means 'to send/transmit'.
After filling out the form, please press the submit button.
Used for submitting posts, articles, or content to websites, blogs, or social media. Implies publishing or contributing.
I submitted a post to my blog.
To accept or comply with someone else's power, control, or decision, often after resistance.
To obey, follow, or comply with rules, orders, or a person's will. The most direct equivalent for 'submit to authority'.
He submitted to his boss's orders.
You must submit to the rules.
A stronger, more formal word for submission, often implying complete obedience or subjugation. Used in historical, military, or dramatic contexts.
The rebels submitted to the government.
To yield or give in under pressure, often against one's will. Can imply a loss of will or defeat. Literary/formal.
He did not submit to the pressure.
To present an idea, proposal, or argument for consideration, often in a formal setting like a meeting or court.
Also used for submitting proposals, motions, or evidence. Same word as for documents, but context makes the meaning clear.
I submitted a new proposal at the meeting.
To propose or suggest. Often used when 'submit' means to put forward an idea or plan. Less about handing in a document, more about the act of suggesting.
He submitted a new plan.
Formal term for submitting a bill or motion to a legislative body. Very specific to parliamentary procedure.
The bill was submitted to the Diet.
提出する is formal and appropriate for official documents, school assignments, and business settings. 出す is more casual and often used in daily conversation for handing in homework or resigning. Use 提出する when you want to sound polite or professional.
I will submit the project proposal. (formal)
I submitted the report. (casual)
On websites, the 'Submit' button is usually labeled 送信 (そうしん) or 送信する, not 提出. 提出 is for documents, not for sending data. In some cases, it may simply be 登録 (register) or 確認 (confirm).