Translation guide
The English word "receiver" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on context: a person who receives something, a device that receives signals, a telephone handset, or a sports position.
A person who gets or accepts a physical item, message, or payment.
Standard term for a recipient of a package, letter, or payment. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
The receiver of the package is Mr. Tanaka.
A more descriptive phrase meaning "the person who receives." Natural in conversation.
Who is the receiver of this letter?
Formal term used in legal or business documents.
The receiver's signature is required.
An electronic device that receives radio, TV, or other signals.
General term for a signal receiver. Used for radios, TVs, and wireless devices.
This receiver has good sensitivity.
Loanword from English, common in technical contexts or for specific devices like Bluetooth receivers.
Specifically a television receiver. Less common today; often replaced by テレビ.
The part of a telephone you hold to your ear and mouth.
Standard term for a telephone receiver. Used for landline phones.
Please pick up the receiver.
Refers to the entire telephone set, but can be used when context makes it clear you mean the handset.
For mobile phones, Japanese people rarely say "receiver." They just say スマホ (smartphone) or 携帯 (mobile phone).
My phone screen is cracked. (not "receiver")
A player who catches passes in sports like American football.
The loanword レシーバー is only for devices or sports positions. For a person who receives something, use 受取人 or 受け取る人.
受信機 is for radio/TV signals; 受話器 is for telephone handsets. They are not interchangeable.
Please connect the Bluetooth receiver.
この受像機は古いです。
This TV receiver is old.
電話機が壊れている。
The receiver is broken. (context: handset)
The receiver scored a touchdown.