Translation guide
A small enclosed structure with a public telephone, once common on streets. In modern Japan, public phones are usually open kiosks rather than full booths, and the term is often used in historical or nostalgic contexts.
A small room-like structure with a door, containing a payphone, offering privacy.
The most common term for a traditional telephone booth. 'ボックス' implies a box-like enclosure.
街角に赤い電話ボックスがまだ残っている。
There is still a red telephone booth left on the street corner.
More formal, explicitly 'public telephone box'. Used in official contexts.
駅前に公衆電話ボックスが設置されている。
A public telephone booth is installed in front of the station.
Literally 'telephone room'. Suggests a slightly larger or more private space, sometimes found indoors.
ホテルのロビーに電話室があります。
There is a telephone room in the hotel lobby.
A stand or small shelter with a public phone, often without a full enclosure, common in contemporary Japan.
Refers to the public phone itself or the kiosk area. Often just a phone on a stand or wall.
コンビニの前に公衆電話がある。
There is a public phone in front of the convenience store.
Specifically a stand-type public phone, often just a pedestal with a phone.
駅のホームに公衆電話のスタンドが並んでいる。
Public phone stands are lined up on the station platform.
The classic red telephone box, often seen as a cultural symbol or tourist attraction.
Simply 'red telephone box'. Instantly recognizable as the British icon.
ロンドンで赤い電話ボックスの前で写真を撮った。
I took a photo in front of a red telephone booth in London.
Specifies the British origin, useful when context is needed.
イギリスの電話ボックスは観光名所になっている。
British telephone booths have become tourist attractions.
In Japan, fully enclosed telephone booths are rare today. Most public phones are open kiosks or wall-mounted units. When referring to a current public phone, '公衆電話' is more natural than '電話ボックス'.
If you say '電話ボックス', a Japanese listener might picture an old-fashioned booth. For a simple payphone, use '公衆電話'.