Translation guide
A fixed-line telephone, as opposed to a mobile phone. In Japanese, the most common way to refer to this is 固定電話 (kotei denwa). There are also older or more specific terms.
The standard way to say 'landline telephone' in modern Japanese, contrasting with mobile phones.
The most common and neutral term for a landline telephone. Literally 'fixed telephone'. Used in everyday conversation and official contexts.
Referring specifically to an old-fashioned black telephone with a dial, often seen in historical contexts.
固定電話 is the standard, unambiguous term for landline. 家電 is a casual abbreviation, but be careful: 家電 (かでん) means home electronics. In writing, 家電 for landline is usually written as 家電（いえでん） to avoid confusion. In speech, context and pitch usually make it clear.
In most situations, 固定電話 is safe and natural. Use 家電 only in casual conversation when the context is clearly about phones. Avoid 加入電話 unless you're dealing with a telecom contract.
自宅の固定電話はほとんど使わない。
I hardly ever use my home landline phone.
固定電話の契約を解除した。
I canceled my landline phone contract.
Abbreviation of 家庭用電話 (kateiyō denwa), meaning 'home phone'. Very common in casual speech, but can be ambiguous as it also means 'home appliance' (家電, kaden). Context usually clarifies.
Can be confused with 家電 (かでん, home appliances). In speech, the pitch accent differs: いえでん (LHH) vs かでん (LH).
家電にかけてきて。
Call me on the home phone.
Technical term used by NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone) for a subscriber telephone line. Mainly seen in official documents or service plans.
加入電話の基本料金が値上げされた。
The basic monthly fee for landline service has been raised.
Literally 'black telephone'. Refers to the classic rotary dial phone, often with a nostalgic feel. Not used for modern landlines.
祖母の家にはまだ黒電話がある。
My grandmother still has an old rotary phone at her house.