Translation guide
In Japan, public telephones are still found in stations and on streets, though less common than before. The standard term is 公衆電話. When asking for one, you can use 公衆電話 or simply 電話 in context.
Referring to a public payphone or public telephone in general.
Standard term for a public telephone. Used in signs and formal contexts.
駅に公衆電話がありますか？
Is there a public telephone at the station?
公衆電話はどこですか？
Where is the public telephone?
In context, simply saying 'telephone' can imply a public one, especially when asking for its location.
すみません、この近くに電話はありますか？
Excuse me, is there a telephone nearby?
Emphasizing the pay aspect of a public telephone.
Still the standard term, even when emphasizing payment.
公衆電話を使うにはテレホンカードが必要です。
You need a telephone card to use the public telephone.
Literally 'paid public telephone', used in official contexts to distinguish from free ones.
この有料公衆電話は10円硬貨が使えます。
This payphone accepts 10-yen coins.
Referring to the booth or enclosure containing a public telephone.
Common term for a telephone booth.
あの電話ボックスから電話をかけられます。
You can make a call from that telephone booth.
When asking for a public telephone, you can simply ask for a '電話' (telephone) and the context will usually make it clear. If you need to be specific, use '公衆電話'.
すみません、公衆電話はありますか？
Excuse me, is there a public telephone?
Public telephones are becoming less common in Japan due to mobile phones. In rural areas or emergencies, they may still be found at train stations or convenience stores.
More specific, combining 'public telephone' and 'booth'.
駅前に公衆電話ボックスがあります。
There is a public telephone booth in front of the station.