Translation guide
A telegram is a message sent by telegraph. In modern Japanese, the word 電報 (denpō) is used for the historical service, while 電文 (denbun) refers to the text of a telegram. For digital messaging apps, use terms like メッセージ (messēji) or チャット (chatto).
Referring to the old system of sending messages via telegraph offices.
The standard word for a telegram as a service or a message sent by telegraph. Commonly used in historical contexts.
彼は電報で訃報を受け取った。
He received the news of the death by telegram.
To send a telegram. The verb 打つ (utsu) is used idiomatically.
緊急の知らせを電報で打った。
I sent the urgent notice by telegram.
Focusing on the written content of a telegram, often concise and formal.
Refers specifically to the wording or text of a telegram. Used in contexts like deciphering or composing the message.
その電文は暗号で書かれていた。
The telegram was written in code.
Using 'telegram' loosely to mean a quick electronic message, often in app names or casual speech.
The general term for a digital message. Use this for most modern contexts.
彼からテレグラムでメッセージが届いた。
I got a message from him on Telegram.
Refers to chat messages, often in real-time. Suitable for informal digital communication.
テレグラムのチャットで話そう。
Let's talk on Telegram chat.
The word 電報 refers to the old telegraph system. For the messaging app Telegram, use テレグラム (the app name) or メッセージアプリ.