Translation guide
The term 'electronic mail' is an older, formal term for email. In Japanese, it is almost always referred to as メール or Eメール. This guide covers how to express the concept naturally in Japanese.
Referring to electronic mail in everyday conversation or writing.
The most common and natural word for email in Japanese. Used in both casual and formal contexts.
メールを送ります。
I'll send an email.
メールを確認してください。
Please check your email.
A slightly more formal or explicit term, often used in business or technical contexts. Less common in casual speech.
Eメールでお問い合わせください。
Please contact us by email.
The literal translation of 'electronic mail'. Very formal and technical; rarely used in daily conversation. Mostly seen in official documents or IT contexts.
電子メールの設定を行います。
Configure the electronic mail settings.
Referring specifically to an email address.
The standard term for email address. Often shortened to メアド in casual speech.
メールアドレスを教えてください。
Please tell me your email address.
Casual abbreviation of メールアドレス. Common among friends and in informal online communication.
メアド交換しよう。
Let's exchange email addresses.
Actions related to email communication.
To send an email. The most common verb phrase.
昨日メールを送りました。
I sent an email yesterday.
To receive an email. More formal than メールが来る.
メールを受信しました。
I received an email.
To get an email (literally 'an email comes'). Casual and natural.
メールが来たよ。
I got an email.
While 電子メール is the direct translation of 'electronic mail', it sounds overly formal and technical. Use メール or Eメール instead in almost all situations.