Translation guide
In Japanese, 'cellular phone' is most commonly expressed as 携帯電話 (keitai denwa) or simply 携帯 (keitai). The term スマホ (sumaho) is used for smartphones. This guide covers how to refer to mobile phones in various contexts.
Referring to a cellular phone in everyday conversation.
Short for 携帯電話. This is the most common casual term for a mobile phone. Used in daily speech.
携帯を忘れた。
I forgot my cell phone.
携帯の充電が切れた。
My cell phone battery died.
The full term for 'cellular phone'. More formal than 携帯. Used in official contexts or when clarity is needed.
携帯電話のご利用はご遠慮ください。
Please refrain from using cellular phones.
Short for スマートフォン (smartphone). Used for smartphones specifically. Very common in casual speech.
新しいスマホを買った。
I bought a new smartphone.
The full term for 'smartphone'. More formal than スマホ. Often used in written or technical contexts.
スマートフォンの普及率は高い。
The smartphone penetration rate is high.
Distinguishing between feature phones and smartphones.
Slang for traditional Japanese flip phones (feature phones). Stands for 'Galapagos keitai', referring to their unique evolution in Japan. Common in casual speech.
まだガラケーを使ってるの？
Are you still using a flip phone?
The technical term for 'feature phone'. Rarely used in daily conversation; ガラケー is preferred.
フィーチャーフォンは日本で独自の進化を遂げた。
Feature phones evolved uniquely in Japan.
Referring to a mobile phone number or contact information.
Means 'cell phone number'. Commonly used when exchanging numbers.
携帯番号を教えてください。
Please tell me your cell phone number.
Another way to say 'cell phone number', slightly more casual.
携帯の番号、変わった？
Did your cell phone number change?
Referring to cellular phones in technical, business, or formal contexts.
A formal, technical term for 'mobile communication device'. Used in legal or technical documents. Not for daily conversation.
移動体通信機器の使用は禁止されています。
The use of mobile communication devices is prohibited.
If you are talking about a smartphone, スマホ is more specific and natural. However, 携帯 is often used as a generic term for any mobile phone, including smartphones. In casual conversation, both are acceptable, but スマホ is clearer when you want to emphasize smartphone features.
The direct translation 'セルラーフォン' is not used in Japanese. Always use 携帯, スマホ, or related terms.