Japanese symbol for “propose”
申し込む
もうしこむ
Romaji: moushikomu
to apply for; to make an application; to propose (marriage); to offer (mediation)
In Japanese, propose is 申し込む, read もうしこむ (moushikomu).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- v5m, vt to apply for; to make an application; to propose (marriage); to offer (mediation); to make an overture (of peace); to challenge
Written forms: 申し込む、申込む、申しこむ. Readings: もうしこむ.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “propose”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 申し入れる | もうしいれる moushiireru | to propose; to suggest |
| 申し出る | もうしでる moushideru | to offer; to propose; to suggest |
| 企てる | くわだてる kuwadateru | to plan; to plot; to propose |
| 持ちかける | もちかける mochikakeru | to offer (a suggestion, etc.); to propose (an idea, etc.); to approach with (a proposal, etc.) |
| 持ち込む | もちこむ mochikomu | to approach (someone) with (a proposal, offer, problem, etc.); to bring; to lodge (a complaint) |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 申請 | しんせい shinsei | application; request; petition |
| 申し訳 | もうしわけ moushiwake | apology; excuse |
| 申告 | しんこく shinkoku | report; return (e.g. tax); statement |
| 申し込み | もうしこみ moushikomi | application; entry; request |
| 答申 | とうしん toushin | report; reply; findings |
| 申し出 | もうしで moushide | proposal; offer; request |
| 見込み | みこみ mikomi | hope; promise; possibility |
| 持ち込む | もちこむ mochikomu | to bring in; to take in; to carry in |
See also: Chinese symbol for “propose”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.