Translation guide
The English word 'telegraph' can refer to the historical communication system, the device itself, or the act of sending a message via telegraph. In modern Japanese, the system is largely obsolete, so terms are mostly historical or technical. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the overall communication system that uses coded electrical signals over wires.
The standard term for the telegraph system or technology. Often used in compounds.
電信技術は19世紀に急速に発展した。
Telegraph technology developed rapidly in the 19th century.
Refers more to the telegram message itself or the service, but can imply the system.
電報はかつて重要な通信手段だった。
The telegraph was once an important means of communication.
Referring to the physical apparatus used to send and receive telegraph messages.
Specifically the telegraph machine or apparatus.
博物館に古い電信機が展示されている。
An old telegraph machine is on display at the museum.
Refers specifically to the telegraph key used to tap out Morse code.
The action of transmitting a message via telegraph.
The most common way to say 'to send a telegram' or 'to telegraph'. Literally 'to strike a telegram', reflecting the tapping action.
彼はすぐに電報を打った。
He telegraphed immediately.
To send by telegraph. More descriptive and less idiomatic than 電報を打つ.
その知らせは電信で送られた。
The news was sent by telegraph.
The written message delivered after being transmitted by telegraph.
The standard word for a telegram. Can be used for both the message and the service.
お祝いの電報を送った。
I sent a congratulatory telegram.
Refers to the text or wording of a telegram. More technical.
Describing a very concise, abbreviated manner of writing or speaking, like a telegram.
Literally 'telegram style'. Used to describe terse, abbreviated writing.
彼のメモは電文体で書かれていた。
His memo was written in a telegraphic style.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'a style like a telegram'.
その手紙は電報のような文体だった。
The letter was in a telegraph-like style.
While 'telegraph' can be a verb in English, Japanese does not have a single verb equivalent. Use phrases like 電報を打つ or 電信で送る instead of trying to create a verb from 電信.
Telegraphy is largely obsolete in Japan, so these terms are mostly encountered in historical contexts. For modern electronic communication, use メール (email) or メッセージ (message).
He tapped the telegraph key to send Morse code.
電文を解読する。
Decode the telegram text.