Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for a cell phone is 携帯電話 (keitai denwa), often shortened to 携帯 (keitai). There are also terms for smartphones and feature phones.
The learner wants to refer to a cell phone in general, without specifying type.
The standard, formal term for a cell phone. Used in official contexts, written language, and when clarity is needed.
Do you have a cell phone?
The most common everyday abbreviation. Used in casual conversation. Can also refer to a mobile device in general.
Short for スマートフォン (smartphone). Very common in casual speech. Refers specifically to smartphones, not feature phones.
The full word for smartphone. More formal than スマホ. Used in technical or official contexts.
Slang for a traditional Japanese flip phone (feature phone). From 'Galapagos keitai', implying isolated evolution. Used when distinguishing from smartphones.
The learner wants to talk about their own phone or someone else's phone in context.
The learner wants to discuss cell phones in general, such as their impact or features.
携帯 (keitai) is a general term for any mobile phone, including smartphones and feature phones. スマホ (sumaho) specifically means smartphone. In casual conversation, 携帯 is still widely used even when referring to a smartphone, but スマホ is becoming more common among younger speakers.
In everyday speech, 電話 (denwa) often implies a cell phone when the context is clear. For example, '電話番号' (denwa bangou) usually means cell phone number nowadays. However, in formal situations, it's safer to use 携帯電話 or 携帯 to avoid ambiguity with landlines.
I lost my cell phone.
Can I use my cell phone here?
携帯を忘れた。
I forgot my cell phone.
スマホの充電が切れた。
My smartphone battery died.
I bought a new smartphone.
まだガラケーを使ってるの？
Are you still using a flip phone?
ケータイ変えたんだ。
I changed my cell phone.
モバイル決済が普及している。
Mobile payments are widespread.