Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of an 'electronic mail system' is most commonly expressed using the loanword メール (mēru) or the more formal 電子メール (denshi mēru). The full term 電子メールシステム (denshi mēru shisutemu) is technical and rarely used in everyday conversation. This guide covers how to refer to email systems, services, and related concepts naturally.
Referring to the overall system or service that enables electronic mail, such as Gmail, Outlook, or a company's email infrastructure.
The most common and natural way to refer to email in Japanese. It can mean both the system and individual messages. Context usually makes the meaning clear.
The company email isn't working.
Please send it by email.
A more formal or technical term for electronic mail. Often used in official contexts or to distinguish from regular mail. Less common in casual speech.
Please contact us by email.
Direct translation of 'mail system'. Used in IT contexts when specifically discussing the technical infrastructure.
We introduced a new email system.
Talking about email as a means of communication, often contrasted with phone, chat, etc.
Again, メール is the go-to word. It covers the concept of email communication.
These days, I use chat more than email.
Referring to an email address, not the system itself.
Japanese メール can refer to the email system, an email message, or email as a concept. Context usually clarifies the meaning. For example, メールを送る means 'send an email (message)', while メールが使えない means 'the email (system) isn't working'.
電子メール is more formal and often used in written or official contexts. In everyday conversation, メール is overwhelmingly more common. Using 電子メール in casual speech may sound stiff.
Our electronic mail system is down.
I'll send it via the electronic mail system.
Let's exchange email addresses.