テキスト
tekisuto[te̞kʲisɨ̥to̞]
In Japanese, the phrase "to send a text message to" is expressed using テキスト (tekisuto).
テキスト is a straightforward way to say "text" and is widely understood in formal contexts like academic or professional settings. When discussing technical or textual matters, the term 文字列 translates to character string and is a formal option.
Meaning: to send a text message to (verb)
Which one should you use?
In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers are much more likely to use メッセージ (message) to refer to a text message than テキスト. Because LINE is the dominant messaging platform in Japan, people often use the verb LINE suru (to LINE someone) instead of saying "to text" or "to send a message". Other related nouns for a brief written message between mobile phones include 伝言, メッセージ and 短信. For a written passage, other related nouns include 本文, 文 and テキスト.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
tekisuto
Did you know?
- In many Japanese textbooks, テキスト refers to a physical textbook rather than a digital message. If you ask for a テキスト in a classroom, your teacher will hand you a book, not a phone.
- Japanese has a specific word 伝言 for a message left for someone else, which is distinct from a direct text message sent to a person.
- In historical contexts, the idea of a 'short message' was captured by 短信, a term that predates the modern era of mobile phone texting.
Examples in context
- トムからテキストを受け取ったよ。I got a text from Tom.This sentence is useful for showing how to say you received a text using テキスト.Tatoeba #9203565 by small_snow, translation #8359726 by CK
- テキストエディタは何を使っていますか？What text editor do you use?This sentence demonstrates the use of テキスト in the context of a text editor.Tatoeba #2747601 by tommy_san, translation #2847251 by eirik174
- ・テキストデータの誤字脱字を修正。・ Corrected mistaken/missing characters in the text data.This sentence shows how to use テキスト when referring to text data.Tatoeba #75483 by fcbond, translation #328235 by fcbond
- テキストで教材を提供してください。Please provide the materials in text format.
- この文字列をテキストファイルに保存してください。Please save this character string to a text file.
- テキストを送ってくれますか？Could you send me a text?
- 彼にテキストメッセージで返事をしました。I replied to him with a text message.
- 彼からメッセージが届きました。I received a message from him.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are planning to meet up later.
- 結衣 Yui後でテキストするね。Atode tekisuto suru ne.I'll text you later.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかった。待ってるよ。Wakatta. Matteru yo.Got it. I'll be waiting.
- 結衣 Yui場所をテキストで送るからね。Basho o tekisuto de okuru kara ne.I'll send the location via text.
- 大翔 Hirotoお願い、結衣。Onegai, Yui.Please do, Yui.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry テキスト, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
