Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'telephone' is most commonly expressed with 電話 (でんわ), which covers the device, the call, and the phone number. The word is used in many compounds and set phrases. This guide covers how to talk about telephones, making calls, and related expressions.
Referring to the physical telephone device or the telephone as a technology.
The standard word for 'telephone'. Can refer to the device, a phone call, or a phone number.
I bought a new telephone.
The telephone is broken.
Specifically refers to the telephone device or set, often used in technical or formal contexts.
Referring to the act of calling someone or receiving a call.
Also means 'phone call'. Used with verbs like かける (to make a call) and 出る (to answer).
Referring to a telephone number.
Specifically referring to a mobile or cellular telephone.
The action of calling someone on the telephone.
The most common way to say 'to make a phone call'. Literally 'to hang a phone'.
Picking up or responding to an incoming call.
Standard expression for answering the phone.
The word 電話 can mean the physical telephone, a phone call, or a phone number. Context usually makes it clear. For example, 電話を買う means 'buy a telephone', while 電話をかける means 'make a call'.
携帯 (けいたい) originally meant 'mobile phone' (including feature phones), while スマホ specifically means 'smartphone'. In casual conversation, 携帯 is still widely used even for smartphones, but スマホ is becoming more common among younger speakers.
The telephone is ringing.
この電話機は古い型です。
This telephone set is an old model.
I'll give him a call.
Please answer the phone.
Refers to a telephone conversation or call, often used in billing or technical contexts (e.g., call duration).
The call charges are high.
Polite form of 電話, used when referring to someone else's call or in business settings.
Thank you for calling.
The standard term for 'phone number'.
Please tell me your phone number.
Short for 電話番号 in context, meaning 'number'.
What's your number?
Formal term for 'mobile phone'. Often shortened to 携帯 (けいたい) in casual speech.
I forgot my mobile phone.
Common abbreviation of 携帯電話, used in everyday conversation.
Where's my cell phone?
Short for スマートフォン (smartphone). Very common in modern Japanese.
I need to charge my smartphone.
Full word for 'smartphone', used in formal or technical contexts.
I signed up for a new smartphone.
I'll call my mother.
A shorter, more casual way to say 'to call'. Often used in conversation.
I'll call you later.
Loanword from English 'call', used occasionally but less natural than 電話する.
I called him but he didn't answer.
Please answer the phone right away.
Literally 'to take the phone', also means to answer. Slightly more casual.
Can you get the phone?
I need to make a phone call.
What's your phone number?