Translation guide
The English word "note" covers several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each.
A brief informal written record, reminder, or message.
The most common and natural word for a short note or memo. Used for reminders, messages, and quick written records.
I left a note for him.
買い物リストのメモを取った。
I took a note of the shopping list.
A written note left behind, often when departing. Slightly more formal or literary than メモ.
書き置きを机の上に置いた。
I left a note on the desk.
Specifically a sticky note or small slip of paper attached to something.
本に付箋を貼った。
I stuck a note on the book.
A short written record of facts, thoughts, or observations, often for later reference.
Again, メモ is the go-to word for informal notes. It covers both the act of writing and the resulting record.
講義のメモを取った。
I took notes during the lecture.
Refers to a notebook or the notes taken in it, especially for study or organized records. More structured than メモ.
A formal record or log. Used for official or detailed documentation, not casual notes.
A single sound of a particular pitch in music.
The standard word for a musical note (the written symbol or the sound).
この音符は何の音ですか？
What note is this?
高い音符を歌うのは難しい。
It's hard to sing high notes.
General word for sound, but can be used for a musical note in context, especially when referring to pitch.
Paper money.
The formal term for paper currency. Used in official contexts.
一万円紙幣をくずしてください。
Please break a 10,000 yen note.
The common, everyday word for a bill or banknote. Polite and widely used.
A formal written message from one government to another.
A diplomatic note or memorandum. Used in international relations.
政府は抗議の覚書を送った。
The government sent a note of protest.
An official notification or circular, often used for diplomatic notes.
To observe or pay attention to something.
The most common way to say "take note of" or "pay attention to."
彼の警告に注意してください。
Please take note of his warning.
To notice or become aware of something. Often used for realizing something.
彼女の表情の変化に気づいた。
I noted a change in her expression.
To bear in mind, to give careful consideration. More formal than 注意する.
この点に留意してください。
Please take note of this point.
A particular quality or feeling expressed in someone's voice or writing.
Refers to the tone of voice, manner of speaking. Can convey a note of sarcasm, urgency, etc.
彼の声には心配の口調があった。
There was a note of concern in his voice.
Tone, pitch, or mood. Can be used for a note of sadness, etc.
メモ is a quick, informal note or memo, often on a scrap of paper. ノート refers to a notebook or the organized notes taken in it, like class notes. Use メモ for reminders and ノート for study records.
If you say ノートを残した, it sounds like you left a notebook. For a short written message, always use メモ or 書き置き.
I reviewed my class notes.
I take notes (minutes) of the meeting.
The piano note is off-key.
Can I pay with a note?
財布にお札が一枚もない。
I don't have a single note in my wallet.
外務省から通達が来た。
A note came from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Her letter had a note of sadness.