申请

• Pinyin: shēn qǐng
• Hanzi breakdown: 申 = originally a lightning bolt shape — to extend, state formally; 请 = 讠(speech) + 青 (clear) — to request politely

Meaning

To apply; to apply for; to submit an application. Used for formal requests.

A formal action word for official requests. Common objects: 签证 (visa), 工作 (job), 贷款 (loan), 专利 (patent), 入学 (admission). Also used as a noun meaning 'application'. Frequently paired with 提交 (submit) or 审批 (approve).

Examples

1. 我正在申请去美国留学的签证。 I am applying for a visa to study in America.
2. 她已经申请了三家公司的工作。 She has already applied for jobs at three companies.
3. 申请表填好了就交到前台。 Once the application form is filled in, hand it in at the front desk.

Usage Guide

Context: immigration, employment, official procedures

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 我想申请这个职位。(I would like to apply for this position.)
• 签证申请已经提交了。(The visa application has been submitted.)

Don't Say

• 我申请你帮我一个忙 meaning 'I apply for your help' (申请 is for formal institutional applications — for asking a favour, use 请 or 拜托)

Origin & History

Compound of 申 (to state, declare) and 请 (to request) — to formally state a request.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal