How to Say "Notes" in Japanese

メモ

memo[me̞mo̞]

The English phrase 'notes' is translated into Japanese as メモ (memo).

メモ refers to short pieces of writing used to record information for future use.

How does it change in a sentence?

As a noun, メモ does not change form for plurality. It can mean both 'a note' or 'notes'.

memo

In Japanese business culture, taking メモ during a meeting is not just for memory but is a visible sign of respect and attentiveness toward the speaker.
While メモ comes from 'memo', Japanese speakers often use the verb メモする to describe the act of taking notes, effectively turning an English noun into a Japanese verb.
The word メモ is a 'loanword' from English, but it is often used in Japanese to describe the act of jotting something down, whereas in English 'memo' usually refers to a formal interoffice communication.

メモしてる？
Are you taking notes?
This sentence is useful for asking if someone is currently taking notes using メモ.
Tatoeba #8689066 by small_snow, translation #5481107 by Hybrid
メモを取りなさい。
You should make notes.
This sentence is useful for advising someone to make notes using メモ.
Tatoeba #194608 by small_snow, translation #31782 by CK
自分のメモを見た。
I looked at my notes.
This sentence is useful for describing the act of looking at one's own notes using メモ.
Tatoeba #8584098 by small_snow, translation #3536304 by Hybrid
彼は大切な会議のノートを持ってきた。
He brought the important meeting notes.
ちょっとメモを取っておこう。
Let me take a quick note.
10 more sentences on Tatoeba

A student asks a classmate about a lesson.

美咲 Misaki

陽太くん、さっきの授業のメモはある？
Youta-kun, sakki no jugyou no memo wa aru?
Youta, do you have notes from the last class?
陽太 Yota

うん、ここに少しメモしたよ。
Un, koko ni sukoshi memo shita yo.
Yeah, I took some notes here.
美咲 Misaki

助かる！ありがとう。
Tasukaru! Arigatou.
That helps! Thanks.
陽太 Yota

いいえ、また何かあれば聞いてね。
Iie, mata nanika areba kiite ne.
No problem, ask me if you need anything else.

Sources

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