Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'portable' depends on what is being carried and how. Common words include 携帯 (keitai) for electronic devices, 持ち運び (mochihakobi) for general portability, and ポータブル (pōtaburu) as a loanword. The choice varies by context.
Describing something that can be easily carried or moved, like a device, tool, or object.
A versatile phrase meaning 'can be carried'. Used for a wide range of items.
This speaker is portable.
Means 'for carrying/portable use'. Often used for items designed to be carried, like ashtrays or tools.
Do you have a portable ashtray?
Loanword from English. Common for electronics and tech gadgets, but can sound slightly technical.
I bought a portable power station.
Specifically for gadgets like phones, game consoles, or music players that are designed to be carried.
Referring to software that can run without installation, or data that can be easily transferred.
Directly means 'portable version', used for software.
Is there a portable version of this app?
Literally 'data that can be carried', used for portable data formats.
Describing movable toilets, sinks, or similar facilities.
携帯 (keitai) is strongly associated with mobile phones and small electronics. ポータブル (pōtaburu) is a direct loanword often used for tech products. 持ち運び (mochihakobi) is the most general and natural for describing the act of carrying something.
Directly translating 'portable' as ポータブル may sound unnatural outside of tech contexts. Use 持ち運びできる or 携帯用 for everyday items.
モバイルバッテリーを持っていますか？
Do you have a portable charger?
Please save it in a portable data format.