Translation guide
The English word "notes" can refer to written records, musical tones, brief messages, or academic annotations. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
To refer to notes taken during a meeting, lecture, or for personal reminders.
The most common and versatile word for informal notes, memos, or jottings. Used for shopping lists, quick reminders, or brief notes.
Please take notes during the meeting.
買い物のメモを書いた。
I wrote a shopping note.
Refers to notes taken in a notebook, especially for study or lectures. Can also mean the notebook itself.
授業のノートを見せて。
Show me your class notes.
彼はノートに要点をまとめた。
He summarized the key points in his notes.
Formal term for records, minutes, or documented notes. Used in official contexts.
議事録は正式な記録です。
The minutes are an official record.
A memorandum or aide-mémoire; somewhat formal and less common in daily speech.
覚え書きを残しておく。
I'll leave a memorandum.
To refer to individual tones or symbols in music.
The standard word for a musical note symbol or sound.
この音符は何の音ですか？
What note is this?
彼女は高い音符を歌える。
She can sing high notes.
Means 'sound' and can be used for musical notes in context, but is broader.
ピアノの音がきれいだ。
The piano notes are beautiful.
To refer to brief informal written communications, like sticky notes or short letters.
Also used for short messages left for someone.
机にメモを置いておいた。
I left a note on your desk.
A message left for someone, often verbal or written. Common in phone messages.
Sticky note. Refers to the physical paper, but often implies a short note.
To refer to explanatory or critical notes in a book, article, or edition.
Annotations or explanatory notes in academic or literary works.
この本には詳しい注釈がついている。
This book has detailed notes.
Footnote. Specifically notes at the bottom of a page.
Can also mean annotations or commentary, especially in study contexts.
To refer to paper money.
メモ is for quick, informal notes or memos, often on loose paper or sticky notes. ノート implies a notebook or more organized study notes. Use メモ for a shopping list, ノート for lecture notes.
ノート means notebook or study notes. For musical notes, use 音符 (おんぷ).
伝言を預かっています。
I have a message (note) for you.
I wrote a message on a sticky note.
脚注を参照してください。
Please refer to the footnotes.
I write notes in my textbook.
Please break this 10,000 yen note.