アプリ

• Reading: アプリ
• Romaji: apuri
• Kanji breakdown: From English 'application' → アプリケーション → abbreviated to アプリ
• Pronunciation: /a.pu.ɾi/

Meaning

Abbreviated form of アプリケーション (apurikēshon, 'application'). The standard word for smartphone or computer apps.

アプリ became the dominant word for mobile and computer applications with the rise of smartphones in Japan. Like スマホ and コンビニ, it is so thoroughly naturalized that it feels like the standard word rather than an abbreviation. It covers everything from social media apps to utility software. The full form アプリケーション is rarely used in daily conversation.

Examples

1. このアプリ使いやすくておすすめだよ。 This app is really easy to use — I recommend it.
2. アプリ入れるだけでポイントもらえるの？ You get points just for downloading the app?
3. スマホのアプリ多すぎて整理しなきゃ。 I have too many apps on my phone — I need to organize them.

Usage Guide

Context: daily conversation, work, all contexts

Tone: neutral, everyday

Do Say

• このアプリ知ってる？ (Do you know this app?)
• アプリのアップデートした？ (Did you update the app?)

Don't Say

• 技術仕様書では「アプリケーション」が適切な場合も (In technical specifications, アプリケーション may be more appropriate)

Common Mistakes

• Pronouncing it like English 'app' — the Japanese pronunciation is アプリ (a-pu-ri), three syllables

Origin & History

Abbreviated from アプリケーション (apurikēshon, 'application'). Became universally common with the smartphone boom in Japan around 2010-2012.

Cultural Context

Era: 2010s smartphone era

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. Completely standard vocabulary that no longer registers as an abbreviation.