Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'telephone' is most commonly expressed with 電話 (でんわ), which covers the device, the call, and the phone number. The word is used in many compounds and set phrases. This guide covers how to talk about telephones, making calls, and related expressions.
Referring to the physical telephone device or the telephone as a technology.
The standard word for 'telephone'. Can refer to the device, a phone call, or a phone number.
新しい電話を買いました。
I bought a new telephone.
電話が壊れました。
The telephone is broken.
Specifically refers to the telephone device or set, often used in technical or formal contexts.
Referring to the act of calling someone or receiving a call.
Also means 'phone call'. Used with verbs like かける (to make a call) and 出る (to answer).
Referring to a telephone number.
Specifically referring to a mobile or cellular telephone.
The action of calling someone on the telephone.
The most common way to say 'to make a phone call'. Literally 'to hang a phone'.
母に電話をかけます。
I'll call my mother.
A shorter, more casual way to say 'to call'. Often used in conversation.
Picking up or responding to an incoming call.
Standard expression for answering the phone.
すぐに電話に出てください。
Please answer the phone right away.
The word 電話 can mean the physical telephone, a phone call, or a phone number. Context usually makes it clear. For example, 電話を買う means 'buy a telephone', while 電話をかける means 'make a call'.
携帯 (けいたい) originally meant 'mobile phone' (including feature phones), while スマホ specifically means 'smartphone'. In casual conversation, 携帯 is still widely used even for smartphones, but スマホ is becoming more common among younger speakers.
電話が鳴っています。
The telephone is ringing.
電話をかけなければなりません。
I need to make a phone call.
電話番号は何ですか？
What's your phone number?
This telephone set is an old model.
彼に電話をかけます。
I'll give him a call.
電話に出てください。
Please answer the phone.
Refers to a telephone conversation or call, often used in billing or technical contexts (e.g., call duration).
通話料金が高いです。
The call charges are high.
Polite form of 電話, used when referring to someone else's call or in business settings.
お電話ありがとうございます。
Thank you for calling.
The standard term for 'phone number'.
電話番号を教えてください。
Please tell me your phone number.
Short for 電話番号 in context, meaning 'number'.
番号は何ですか？
What's your number?
Formal term for 'mobile phone'. Often shortened to 携帯 (けいたい) in casual speech.
携帯電話を忘れました。
I forgot my mobile phone.
Common abbreviation of 携帯電話, used in everyday conversation.
携帯どこ？
Where's my cell phone?
Short for スマートフォン (smartphone). Very common in modern Japanese.
スマホを充電しなきゃ。
I need to charge my smartphone.
Full word for 'smartphone', used in formal or technical contexts.
新しいスマートフォンを契約しました。
I signed up for a new smartphone.
後で電話するね。
I'll call you later.
Loanword from English 'call', used occasionally but less natural than 電話する.
彼にコールしたけど出なかった。
I called him but he didn't answer.
Literally 'to take the phone', also means to answer. Slightly more casual.
電話を取ってくれる？
Can you get the phone?