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.
携帯電話の電源をお切りください。
Please turn off your mobile phone.
Common abbreviation of 携帯電話. Used in casual conversation.
携帯を忘れた。
I forgot my mobile.
Short for smartphone. Very common in everyday speech.
スマホのバッテリーが切れそう。
My mobile's battery is about to die.
Full word for smartphone. More formal or technical.
最新のスマートフォンを購入した。
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.
移動式のクレーンを使う。
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.
可動式の棚を設置した。
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
Potential form of 動く (to move). Means 'able to move'. Natural for people or animals.
足を怪我して、しばらく動けなかった。
I injured my leg and wasn't mobile for a while.
Means 'light on one's feet' or 'agile'. Implies ease of movement.
荷物が少ないと身軽でいい。
It's nice to be mobile when you have less luggage.
Describing a lifestyle or job that involves moving from place to place
Literally 'movement is frequent'. Used for jobs or lifestyles with a lot of travel.
彼の仕事は移動が多い。
His job is very mobile.
Refers to people who frequently relocate for work. Implies a mobile lifestyle due to job transfers.
転勤族の家庭は引っ越しに慣れている。
Mobile families are used to moving.
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.