Translation guide
The English verb 'appoint' is used to describe formally assigning someone to a position, role, or task, or setting a time/place for an event. In Japanese, the expression depends heavily on the context: assigning a person to an official post, designating someone for a role, or scheduling a meeting. Direct translation is often unnatural; instead, use specific verbs and constructions.
To formally give someone a job, title, or duty, especially in an official or organizational context.
The most direct equivalent for formally appointing someone to a position. Used in official, business, and political contexts.
彼を新しい部長に任命した。
We appointed him as the new department head.
社長は彼女を次期CEOに任命する予定だ。
The president plans to appoint her as the next CEO.
Often used for nominating or designating someone for a position, especially in elections or committees. Slightly less formal than 任命する.
彼は次期会長に指名された。
He was appointed (nominated) as the next chairman.
Means 'to install someone in a post' or 'to have someone assume office'. Used in very formal announcements.
新大統領を来月就任させる。
The new president will be appointed (installed) next month.
To choose someone to do a specific job or be in charge of something, often temporarily or informally.
Means 'to entrust' or 'to leave something to someone'. Very common for assigning tasks or responsibilities, implying trust.
このプロジェクトは彼に任せよう。
Let's appoint him to this project. (Let's leave this project to him.)
司会は山田さんに任せた。
We appointed Ms. Yamada as the MC. (We left the MC role to Ms. Yamada.)
Means 'to put someone in charge of' a specific duty or section. Common in workplace settings.
彼に経理を担当させた。
We appointed him to handle accounting.
Literally 'to give a role'. Used when assigning a specific function or part in a project or event.
各メンバーに役割を与えた。
We appointed each member a role.
To decide on and announce when or where something will happen.
The most common and versatile verb for 'decide' or 'set'. Use with time/place words.
会議の日時を決めましょう。
Let's appoint a date and time for the meeting.
次の打ち合わせは来週の水曜日に決めた。
We appointed next Wednesday for the next meeting.
Means 'to set up' or 'to establish'. More formal, often used for schedules, deadlines, or systems.
面接の日程を設定してください。
Please appoint a date for the interview.
Means 'to designate' or 'to specify'. Used when officially naming a time or place, often in rules or contracts.
裁判所は期日を指定した。
The court appointed a date.
English 'appoint a time' cannot be directly translated as 時間を任命する. Use 決める, 設定する, or 指定する instead.
会議の時間を決めた。
We appointed a time for the meeting.
任命する is for formal, official appointments to positions. 任せる is for entrusting tasks or responsibilities, and is more common in daily conversation.
彼を委員長に任命する。
Appoint him as committee chair. (formal)
この仕事は彼に任せる。
Appoint him to this task. (entrust)