Translation guide
The English word 'mobile' can refer to portability, movement capability, or a mobile phone. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to a cellular phone or smartphone
Formal term for mobile phone. Used in official contexts, but in daily conversation often shortened.
Please turn off your mobile phone.
Common abbreviation of 携帯電話. Used in casual conversation.
I forgot my mobile.
Short for smartphone. Very common in everyday speech.
My mobile's battery is about to die.
Full word for smartphone. More formal or technical.
I bought the latest mobile.
Describing something that can move or be moved easily
Means 'mobile' in the sense of being movable or portable, often used for equipment.
We use a mobile crane.
Similar to 移動式, but emphasizes that it can be moved or operated. Often used for parts or furniture.
I installed mobile shelving.
Loanword used in tech contexts, like 'mobile app' or 'mobile device'. Not used for physical movement of objects.
Describing a person or animal that can move around easily
Describing a lifestyle or job that involves moving from place to place
The loanword モバイル is mainly used in IT contexts (mobile computing, mobile networks). For physical movement, use 移動式 or 動ける.
モバイル端末からアクセスできます。
You can access it from a mobile device.
Mobile families are used to moving.