Translation guide
The English word "inbox" refers to a place where incoming messages or items are received. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is the borrowed term インボックス, but depending on context, other words like 受信箱 (for email) or 未読 (for unread messages) may be more natural.
The folder or section where new, unread, or incoming electronic messages are stored.
Standard term for an email inbox. Literally 'receiving box'. Used in formal and technical contexts.
新しいメールが受信箱に届いています。
A new email has arrived in your inbox.
Direct loanword from English. Commonly understood, especially in IT contexts, but may sound slightly technical or foreign.
インボックスを確認してください。
Please check your inbox.
Means 'unread'. Often used in messaging apps to refer to unread messages, which functionally serves as an inbox. Not a direct translation but a common way to refer to new messages.
未読がたまってる。
I have a pile of unread messages.
Another term for inbox, literally 'receiving tray'. Used in some email clients, but less common than 受信箱.
受信トレイを整理する。
Organize your inbox.
A tray on a desk where incoming documents or mail are placed.
Literally 'unprocessed tray'. Commonly used in office settings for a physical inbox tray.
書類を未処理トレイに入れてください。
Please put the documents in the inbox tray.
The loanword can also refer to a physical inbox tray, though it's less common than in digital contexts.
インボックスに郵便物が置いてある。
There's mail in the inbox.
The section for direct messages or notifications in social media or apps.
Often used to refer to the inbox in social media or messaging apps. For example, 'Check your messages' implies checking the inbox.
メッセージを確認する。
Check your inbox (messages).
Abbreviation for 'direct message', commonly used in social media contexts. Functions as an inbox for private messages.
DMで送ってください。
Please send it via DM (to my inbox).
While インボックス is understood, it can sound like unnecessary English. In most cases, 受信箱 or context-specific terms like 未読 are more natural.