Translation guide
In Japanese, the English word 'memo' is commonly used as a loanword (メモ), but it often refers to a short note or reminder. For longer or more formal documents, other terms are used. This guide covers how to express the concept of a memo in various contexts.
メモ
memo (short note)
A brief written note to remember something or convey a quick message.
The most common and direct equivalent. Used for informal notes, reminders, or short messages.
Can I take a quick memo?
机の上にメモを残しておいた。
I left a memo on the desk.
A slightly more formal term for a memorandum or note for one's own records.
会議の内容を覚え書きにまとめた。
I summarized the meeting content in a memo.
Refers to a sticky note, often used for memos attached to documents or surfaces.
重要なページに付箋を貼った。
I put a sticky note on the important page.
A formal written communication within an organization, often used to convey policies, announcements, or instructions.
A circulated memo or notice within an office. Often used for documents that are passed around for everyone to read.
社内回覧で新しい規則が知らされた。
The new rules were announced via an internal memo.
Literally 'in-house memo', a common term for internal office memos.
社内メモで会議の日程を確認した。
I confirmed the meeting schedule via an internal memo.
An official notice or directive from management, often more formal than a memo.
A memo created or stored digitally, such as in a smartphone app or computer program.
Also used for digital memos. The context usually makes it clear.
スマホのメモアプリにアイデアを書いた。
I wrote down the idea in a memo app on my smartphone.
Often used for digital note-taking apps or longer notes, similar to 'note' in English.
メモ is the most common and casual term for a short note. 覚え書き is more formal and often used for records. ノート can refer to a notebook or longer notes, and is common in digital contexts.
While メモ is widely understood, in very formal business settings, using 回覧 or 通達 may be more appropriate for official memoranda. Using メモ might sound too casual.
本部から通達が来た。
A directive came from headquarters.
I take notes during meetings.