Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| アプリケーション | apurikēshon | [a̠pɯ̟ɾʲike̞ːɕõ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| アプリ | apuri | [a̠pɯ̟ɾʲi] (narrow) |
When discussing computer software or mobile programs, use the terms provided. If you are referring to a digital software product, you will use アプリケーション or its shortened form. Note that Japanese has other words for 'application' depending on the context: 応募 is used for applications like job openings, 申請 refers to bureaucratic or governmental applications and 願書 refers specifically to written application forms for schools or grants.
Which one should you use?
アプリケーション is the full version of the word, while アプリ is a shortened form. アプリ is the most common way to refer to an application in daily conversation, whereas the full アプリケーション is used in more formal, technical or official contexts such as news reports or documentation.
How do you pronounce it?
apurikēshon
Did you know?
- Japanese users often use the term 神アプリ which literally means 'god app' to describe a piece of software that is exceptionally useful or perfect.
- The word アプリ is often paired with the verb 入れる, which literally means 'to put in', to mean 'to install' an application.
- The word アプリ is written using Katakana, which signals to the reader that the word is a 'loanword' borrowed from a foreign language.
Examples in context
- このアプリ、すごいよ。This application is awesome.This sentence shows how to express that an application is awesome using アプリ.Tatoeba #9959791 by small_snow, translation #8783917 by carlosalberto
- このアプリ気に入ってるの。I like this application.This sentence demonstrates expressing liking for an application using アプリ.Tatoeba #9959757 by small_snow, translation #8834097 by deniko
- ゲームアプリをダウンロードしました。I have downloaded the game application.This sentence shows how to say a game application was downloaded using アプリ.Tatoeba #5428729 by zachleigh, translation #5487775 by Mar1L
- 私はその会社への応募書類を提出しました。I submitted my application documents to that company.
- アプリをダウンロードする際に、利用規約に同意する必要があります。When downloading an app, you need to agree to the terms and conditions.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui is showing Daito a new tool on her tablet.
- 結衣 Yuiこのアプリケーションを使ってみて。Kono apurikēshon o tsukatte mite.Try using this application.
- 大翔 Hiroto何ができるアプリケーションなの？Nani ga dekiru apurikēshon nano?What kind of application is it?
- 結衣 Yuiスケジュールを管理できるよ。Sukejūru o kanri dekiru yo.You can manage your schedule with it.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは便利そうだね。Sore wa benri sō da ne.That looks useful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “application” translations and entries アプリケーション, アプリ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
