Translation guide
In Japanese, the English word 'memo' is commonly used as a loanword (メモ), but it often refers to a short note or reminder. For longer or more formal documents, other terms are used. This guide covers how to express the concept of a memo in various contexts.
memo (short note)
A brief written note to remember something or convey a quick message.
The most common and direct equivalent. Used for informal notes, reminders, or short messages.
ちょっとメモを取ってもいいですか。
Can I take a quick memo?
I left a memo on the desk.
A slightly more formal term for a memorandum or note for one's own records.
I summarized the meeting content in a memo.
Refers to a sticky note, often used for memos attached to documents or surfaces.
I put a sticky note on the important page.
A formal written communication within an organization, often used to convey policies, announcements, or instructions.
A circulated memo or notice within an office. Often used for documents that are passed around for everyone to read.
The new rules were announced via an internal memo.
Literally 'in-house memo', a common term for internal office memos.
An official notice or directive from management, often more formal than a memo.
A memo created or stored digitally, such as in a smartphone app or computer program.
メモ is the most common and casual term for a short note. 覚え書き is more formal and often used for records. ノート can refer to a notebook or longer notes, and is common in digital contexts.
take a memo/note
prepare a memorandum
compile in a notebook
While メモ is widely understood, in very formal business settings, using 回覧 or 通達 may be more appropriate for official memoranda. Using メモ might sound too casual.
I confirmed the meeting schedule via an internal memo.
本部から通達が来た。
A directive came from headquarters.
I take notes during meetings.