Translation guide
The English word 'email' can refer to the system, a message, or an address. In Japanese, it is commonly expressed with loanwords or native terms depending on context.
Referring to an individual email message that is sent or received.
The most common and casual way to say 'email' in Japanese. It can refer to both email and text messages on phones, so context clarifies.
メールを送ったよ。
I sent you an email.
メールを確認してください。
Please check your email.
A slightly more formal or explicit term for email, often used in business or to distinguish from SMS.
Eメールでお問い合わせください。
Please contact us by email.
The formal, technical term for electronic mail. Used in official documents or IT contexts.
電子メールの設定を変更する。
Change the email settings.
Referring to the address used to send and receive email.
The standard term for email address. Often shortened to メアド in casual speech.
メールアドレスを教えてください。
Please tell me your email address.
メアド交換しよう。
Let's exchange email addresses.
Short for メールアドレス, used in casual conversation when context is clear.
Referring to the act of emailing or the email system in general.
The verb form meaning 'to email'. It conjugates as a regular suru-verb.
後でメールするね。
I'll email you later.
彼にメールしたけど返事がない。
I emailed him but no reply.
Literally 'send an email'. More explicit than メールする.
資料をメールで送ります。
I will send the documents by email.
In Japanese, メール can refer to both email and SMS/text messages, especially on mobile phones. To be clear, use Eメール or 電子メール for email, or specify SMS/ショートメール for text messages.
携帯のメール
text message (literally 'mobile mail')
アドレス変わった？
Did your email address change?