公募する

• Reading: こうぼする
• Romaji: koubo suru
• Kanji breakdown: 公 (kō) — public, official; 募 (bo) — recruit, solicit
• Pronunciation: /koː.bo.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To seek publicly; to solicit applications from the general public; to make an open call.

A する verb meaning to publicly recruit, solicit, or call for applications, proposals, or submissions. Used for job openings, design contests, naming competitions, stock offerings, and grant applications. Common phrases: デザインを公募する (to publicly solicit designs), 公募展 (open-call exhibition), 公募増資 (public offering of shares).

Examples

1. 新しい施設の名前を市民から公募することになった。 It was decided to publicly solicit name suggestions for the new facility from citizens.
2. 美術館がコンクールの作品を全国から公募している。 The art museum is holding an open call for competition entries from across the country.
3. 公募で選ばれたデザインが来年の記念切手に採用される。 The design selected through the open call will be used for next year's commemorative stamp.

Usage Guide

Context: business, government, arts

Tone: official

Origin & History

Compound of 公 (public, official) + 募 (recruit, solicit). Together they describe the act of openly seeking something from the public.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal