Translation guide
An answerphone is a device that records telephone messages when you are unable to answer. In Japanese, this is most commonly referred to as 留守番電話 (rusuban denwa), often shortened to 留守電 (rusuden) in casual speech.
Referring to the physical device or service that records voice messages when a call is not answered.
The standard term for an answering machine or voicemail system. Used in both home and mobile contexts.
留守番電話にメッセージを残してください。
Please leave a message on the answerphone.
新しい留守番電話を買った。
I bought a new answering machine.
Common casual abbreviation of 留守番電話. Frequently used in everyday conversation.
Refers specifically to the automated greeting or outgoing message, rather than the device itself. Used in technical or business contexts.
自動応答メッセージを設定する。
Set up the answerphone greeting.
Referring to the network-based voicemail service provided by mobile carriers, as opposed to a physical device.
Explicitly refers to the voicemail service offered by phone companies. Often used when discussing service activation or settings.
留守番電話サービスを契約する。
Subscribe to the voicemail service.
Loanword from English 'voicemail'. Commonly understood, especially among younger people and in smartphone contexts.
ボイスメールをチェックする。
Check voicemail.
留守番電話 is the formal, full term suitable for any situation. 留守電 is a very common casual shortening, similar to saying 'answering machine' in English. ボイスメール is a direct loanword and is often used for mobile voicemail, but may not be understood by older generations.
お留守番電話に伝言をお願いします。
Please leave a message on the answerphone. (polite)
留守電見た？
Did you check the answering machine? (casual)
There is no direct word-for-word translation. Avoid creating compounds like 応答電話 (outou denwa), which is not used. Stick to 留守番電話 or 留守電.
留守番電話が壊れました。
My answerphone is broken.
留守電にメッセージを入れておくね。
I'll leave a message on your answerphone.