Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common term for a mobile phone is 携帯電話 (keitai denwa), often shortened to 携帯 (keitai) in casual speech. The term スマホ (sumaho) specifically refers to smartphones. When translating 'mobile phone', consider the context: general use, casual conversation, or specific device type.
The standard, neutral way to refer to a mobile phone in Japanese.
The formal, full term for a mobile phone. Used in official contexts, written materials, and when clarity is needed.
携帯電話の使用はご遠慮ください。
Please refrain from using mobile phones.
The common, casual abbreviation of 携帯電話. Used in everyday conversation. Note that 携帯 can also mean 'portable' in other contexts, but when referring to phones, it's understood.
携帯を忘れた。
I forgot my mobile phone.
携帯の電池が切れた。
My mobile phone battery died.
Short for スマートフォン (smartphone). Refers specifically to smartphones. Extremely common in modern Japanese, often used even when the device is technically a smartphone, but 携帯 is still used generically.
新しいスマホを買った。
I bought a new smartphone.
The full term for smartphone. More formal or technical than スマホ. Used in product descriptions or formal writing.
最新のスマートフォンが発表された。
The latest smartphone was announced.
How to naturally mention a mobile phone in informal settings.
A further colloquial shortening of 携帯, often written in katakana. Very common among younger speakers and in casual texting.
ケータイ見てなかった。
I didn't see my phone.
As above, but in casual contexts it's the default for smartphones.
スマホどこ？
Where's my phone?
Distinguishing between feature phones and smartphones.
Short for ガラパゴス携帯 (Galapagos keitai), referring to traditional Japanese flip phones or feature phones. Still used by some, especially older generations.
祖母はまだガラケーを使っている。
My grandmother still uses a flip phone.
The technical term for feature phone. Rarely used in daily conversation; ガラケー is preferred.
フィーチャーフォンの市場は縮小している。
The feature phone market is shrinking.
In modern Japan, most mobile phones are smartphones, so スマホ is very common. However, 携帯 is still widely used as a generic term, even for smartphones. If you want to be specific, use スマホ. If you're unsure, 携帯 is safe.
The English phrase 'mobile phone' directly translated as モバイルフォン is not used in Japanese. Stick to the terms above.
家に携帯を忘れた。
I left my mobile phone at home.
携帯電話の電源をお切りください。
Please turn off your mobile phone.
スマホが壊れた。
My mobile phone is broken.