Translation guide
A mobile phone with advanced computing capabilities and internet connectivity. In Japanese, the most common term is the loanword スマートフォン, often shortened to スマホ in casual speech.
Referring to the device itself in any context.
The standard loanword for 'smart phone'. Used in formal and written contexts, such as news, manuals, and official documents.
スマートフォン is the full, formal term. スマホ is the everyday abbreviation. 携帯 originally meant 'mobile phone' (including non-smart phones) and is still used by some, but スマホ is more precise and common among younger speakers. In business or technical contexts, stick to スマートフォン.
When speaking casually, スマホ is the natural choice. For example, 'I was looking at my smart phone' is naturally スマホを見ていた, not スマートフォンを見ていた, which sounds stiff.
何でもスマホでやっています。
I use my smart phone for everything.
スマートフォンは私たちの生活を変えました。
Smart phones have changed our lives.
新しいスマートフォンを買いました。
I bought a new smart phone.
The most common casual abbreviation. Used in everyday conversation, social media, and informal writing.
スマホを忘れた。
I forgot my smart phone.
Literally 'portable', this word traditionally means 'mobile phone' (including feature phones). In context, it can refer to a smart phone, especially among older generations or when the distinction isn't important. However, it may sound slightly dated or ambiguous.
Can refer to any mobile phone, not specifically a smart phone. Younger people may prefer スマホ.
携帯の充電が切れた。
My phone battery died.
Literally 'telephone'. In very casual speech, it can be used to mean one's mobile phone, but it's ambiguous and old-fashioned. Not recommended for learners to use for 'smart phone'.
Avoid using 電話 to specifically mean a smart phone; it's too broad and can cause confusion.
電話を家に忘れた。
I left my phone at home.