Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common term for a mobile phone is 携帯電話 (keitai denwa), often shortened to 携帯 (keitai) in casual speech. The term スマホ (sumaho) specifically refers to smartphones. When translating 'mobile phone', consider the context: general use, casual conversation, or specific device type.
The standard, neutral way to refer to a mobile phone in Japanese.
The formal, full term for a mobile phone. Used in official contexts, written materials, and when clarity is needed.
Please refrain from using mobile phones.
The common, casual abbreviation of 携帯電話. Used in everyday conversation. Note that 携帯 can also mean 'portable' in other contexts, but when referring to phones, it's understood.
Short for スマートフォン (smartphone). Refers specifically to smartphones. Extremely common in modern Japanese, often used even when the device is technically a smartphone, but 携帯 is still used generically.
The full term for smartphone. More formal or technical than スマホ. Used in product descriptions or formal writing.
How to naturally mention a mobile phone in informal settings.
Distinguishing between feature phones and smartphones.
Short for ガラパゴス携帯 (Galapagos keitai), referring to traditional Japanese flip phones or feature phones. Still used by some, especially older generations.
My grandmother still uses a flip phone.
The technical term for feature phone. Rarely used in daily conversation; ガラケー is preferred.
In modern Japan, most mobile phones are smartphones, so スマホ is very common. However, 携帯 is still widely used as a generic term, even for smartphones. If you want to be specific, use スマホ. If you're unsure, 携帯 is safe.
The English phrase 'mobile phone' directly translated as モバイルフォン is not used in Japanese. Stick to the terms above.
I left my mobile phone at home.
Please turn off your mobile phone.
My mobile phone is broken.
携帯を忘れた。
I forgot my mobile phone.
My mobile phone battery died.
I bought a new smartphone.
The latest smartphone was announced.
Where's my phone?
The feature phone market is shrinking.