Translation guide
The English word "message" covers a wide range of meanings, from a short written note to an underlying theme. This guide helps learners choose the most natural Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
メッセージを受け取りました。
I got your message.
伝言をお願いできますか？
Can I leave a message?
この話のメッセージは...
The message of the story is...
To refer to a brief piece of information sent or left for someone, such as a note, text, or voicemail.
The most direct loanword from English. Commonly used for digital messages, such as texts, emails, and social media posts. Also used for spoken messages like voicemails.
彼からメッセージが届いた。
I received a message from him.
留守番電話にメッセージを残してください。
Please leave a message on the answering machine.
A message left for someone who is not present, often a verbal message passed on by a third party. Common in business and personal contexts.
Refers to contact or communication in general. Often used when asking someone to get in touch or when receiving a message as part of ongoing communication.
To refer to a formal statement, announcement, or declaration, often from an authority or organization.
To refer to the underlying meaning, moral, or point that the creator wants to convey.
To specifically refer to a short written message sent via mobile phone or online chat.
To express the action of sending a message.
The most common way to say 'send a message.' Works for digital and written messages.
彼にメッセージを送った。
I sent him a message.
Means 'to contact' or 'to get in touch,' often implying sending a message. More general than メッセージを送る.
メッセージ is a direct loanword and is very common for digital and thematic messages. 伝言 is specifically a message left for someone who is absent, often verbal. 連絡 is broader, meaning 'contact' or 'communication,' and is used when the focus is on getting in touch rather than the content of the message.
彼にメッセージを送った。
I sent him a message (e.g., a text).
伝言を頼まれました。
I was asked to pass on a message.
彼から連絡が来た。
I heard from him (got a message/call).
彼の机にメモを残しました。
I left a message on his desk.
In this physical note context, メモ is more natural than メッセージ.
その映画には強い反戦のメッセージがある。
The movie has a strong anti-war message.
伝言をお願いできますか？
Can I leave a message?
田中さんから伝言がありました。
There was a message from Mr. Tanaka.
何かあったら連絡してください。
Please send me a message if anything happens.
彼から連絡が来た。
I got a message from him.
Also used for formal public statements, such as a president's message or a company's message to stakeholders.
大統領のメッセージが全国に放送された。
The president's message was broadcast nationwide.
A formal public statement or declaration, often used in political or organizational contexts.
政府は緊急声明を発表した。
The government issued an urgent message.
In some contexts, メッセージ can sound casual; for very formal written statements, 声明 is preferred.
公式メッセージとして発表された。
It was announced as an official message.
Widely used for the theme or moral of creative works. It can also refer to a social or political message.
この映画のメッセージは「家族の大切さ」だ。
The message of this movie is 'the importance of family.'
彼のスピーチには強いメッセージが込められていた。
His speech contained a powerful message.
A more colloquial way to say 'what one wants to convey.' Often used in everyday conversation about the point of a story or presentation.
作者が伝えたいことは何だと思いますか？
What do you think the author's message is?
A more formal term for the main point or gist of a statement or document. Often used in business or academic contexts.
彼の提案の主旨は理解できた。
I understood the message of his proposal.
The standard term for a text message in apps like LINE, WhatsApp, or SMS.
後でメッセージを送るね。
I'll send you a message later.
In Japanese, メール often refers to SMS or short email messages, especially on mobile phones. Note that it can also mean email, so context is important.
Can be ambiguous between SMS and email. Use メッセージ for clarity in chat apps.
メールで送ってください。
Please send it by message.
Short for 'direct message,' used in social media contexts like Twitter or Instagram.
DMで詳細を送ります。
I'll send you the details via message.
明日連絡します。
I'll send you a message tomorrow.
Specifically means 'to leave a message' for someone who is not available.
伝言を残してもらえますか？
Could you leave a message?
While メッセージ is widely understood, using it for a formal declaration or a verbal message passed through someone can sound unnatural. Use 声明 for official statements and 伝言 for messages left with a person.
While メッセージ is widely understood, using it for a formal declaration or a verbal message passed through someone can sound unnatural. Use 声明 for official statements and 伝言 for messages left with a person.