Meaning
The kanji 募 (ぼ / つのる) fundamentally means “to recruit,” “to solicit,” “to gather,” or “to collect.” It implies actively seeking out and bringing together people, funds, or support for a specific purpose. You'll often encounter this character when discussing job recruitment, fundraising efforts, or the increasing intensity of feelings or conditions.
Its origin lies in a phono-semantic compound, meaning it combines a phonetic component with a semantic radical. The upper part, 莫 (ぼ/ばく), historically depicted the sun setting behind overgrown grass or trees, evoking a sense of “dusk,” “obscurity,” or “vastness.” This component primarily provides the sound “ボ” (bo).
The lower part, 力 (ちから), is the radical for “power” or “strength.” When combined, this radical suggests the “effort” or “power” used in the act of gathering or soliciting. Interestingly, the phonetic component 莫, while setting the sound, also subtly hints at the idea of collecting from a “vast” or “wide” area, or perhaps the sheer volume of what is being sought, such as countless donations or numerous recruits. Thus, 募 visually conveys exerting effort or power to gather something on a broad scale.
The kanji 募 has 12 strokes and is taught in the 6th grade of Japanese elementary school.
Readings
The kanji 募 has both On'yomi (Chinese-derived readings) and Kun'yomi (native Japanese readings).
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi for 募 is ボ (bo). You'll typically find this reading in compound words, especially when 募 is paired with other kanji of Chinese origin.
- 募集 (boshū) — recruitment; solicitation; collection. This is a very common term, referring to the act of recruiting people (e.g., employees, volunteers) or soliciting donations. For instance, 会社の募集 (kaisha no boshū) means "company recruitment."
- 応募 (ōbo) — application; entry. This describes the act of applying for something, often in response to a recruitment drive or a call for participation.
- 募金 (bokin) — fundraising; collection of contributions. This specifically refers to soliciting and collecting money for a cause, like for charity or disaster relief.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi for 募 is つのる (tsunoru). This reading is used when 募 appears alone as a verb or is combined with okurigana (送り仮名), the hiragana characters that complete a verb or adjective. It means “to grow violent, strong, or worse; to get worse; to increase; to collect; to raise (funds).”
- 募る (tsunoru) — This verb encompasses meanings like "to grow violent/strong/worse," "to increase" (e.g., feelings, severity), or "to collect/raise" (funds, people).
- For example, if you're feeling increasingly nostalgic, you might say 望郷の念が募る (bōkyō no nen ga tsunoru - Homesickness grows stronger).
- When referring to worsening weather, you could say 寒さが募る (samusa ga tsunoru - The cold intensifies).
- It can also describe the increasing intensity of emotions, as in 期待が募る (kitai ga tsunoru - Expectations grow stronger).
- While 募集 is more common for job recruitment, つのる can be used in a broader sense of gathering people, as in 人材を募る (jinzai wo tsunoru - To recruit personnel).
Common Words & Compounds
Here are some common words and compounds using the kanji 募, categorized by theme to help you understand their usage in various contexts.
Recruitment & Application:
- 募集 (boshū) — recruitment; solicitation. Commonly used for job openings, student admissions, or volunteers.
- 応募 (ōbo) — application; entry. This refers to the act of applying to a recruitment, contest, or program.
- 募兵 (bohei) — conscription; recruitment of soldiers.
- 公募 (kōbo) — public recruitment; public offering. Describes open recruitment for positions, projects, or submissions to the general public.
Fundraising & Collection:
- 募金 (bokin) — fundraising; collection of contributions. Especially for charity, disaster relief, or public projects.
- 募財 (bozai) — fundraising; soliciting contributions. Similar to 募金, but can include goods or resources beyond just money.
- 義援金募集 (gienkin boshū) — solicitation of relief funds.
Intensification & Growth (Kun'yomi):
- 募る (tsunoru) — to grow violent/strong/worse; to increase. This verb describes the escalation of feelings, weather conditions, or various situations.
- 望郷の念が募る (bōkyō no nen ga tsunoru) — Homesickness grows stronger.
Other Uses:
- 募稿 (bokō) — solicitation of contributions (e.g., for a magazine, anthology, or competition).
- 募債 (bosai) — public offering of bonds; bond issue.
- 募税 (bozei) — solicitation of taxes.
Example Sentences
新しい社員を募集しています。
Atarashii shain wo boshū shite imasu.
We are recruiting new employees.
その仕事に応募するかどうか迷っています。
Sono shigoto ni ōbo suru ka dō ka mayotte imasu.
I'm hesitating whether to apply for that job.
このイベントの参加者を募っています。
Kono ibento no sankasha wo tsunotte imasu.
We are soliciting participants for this event.
災害被災者のために募金活動を行いました。
Saigai hisaisha no tame ni bokin katsudō wo okonaimashita.
We conducted fundraising activities for disaster victims.
旅行の日が近づくにつれて、期待が募ります。
Ryokō no hi ga chikazuku ni tsurete, kitai ga tsunorimasu.
As the travel date approaches, my excitement grows.
冬になり、寒さが募ってきた。
Fuyu ni nari, samusa ga tsunotte kita.
Winter has come, and the cold has intensified.
この美術館は新しい作品の公募をしています。
Kono bijutsukan wa atarashii sakuhin no kōbo wo shite imasu.
This art museum is publicly recruiting new artworks.
世界中からボランティアを募る計画があります。
Sekaijū kara borantia wo tsunoru keikaku ga arimasu.
There is a plan to recruit volunteers from all over the world.
失業率が高まる中、企業は採用を募集するのに慎重だ。
Shitsugyōritsu ga takamaru naka, kigyō wa saiyō wo boshū suru no ni shinchō da.
Amidst rising unemployment, companies are cautious about recruiting.
住民の意見を募るためのアンケートを実施します。
Jūmin no iken wo tsunoru tame no ankēto wo jisshi shimasu.
We will conduct a survey to solicit opinions from residents.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 募, focus on its two main components. The bottom part, 力 (ちから), means “power” or “strength.” The top part, 莫 (ばく), while serving as a phonetic indicator for “bo,” can be imagined as representing “vastness” or “many”—like a boundless number.
Picture someone using their 力 (power) to collect or recruit a vast (莫) number of things or people. For instance, imagine a dedicated charity worker exerting all their strength (力) to collect (募) as many donations as possible from a vast (莫) crowd. Alternatively, think of a company putting forth great power (力) to recruit (募) a large, almost vast (莫) number of employees. This vivid image of using strength to gather many items or individuals effectively reinforces the meaning of “recruit” or “solicit.”