LINEして
LINE shite
The English phrase "text me" is expressed in Japanese as LINEして (LINE shite).
In Japan, people rarely use a general term for "texting". Instead, they almost always specify the app "LINE" when asking someone to message them. The phrase LINEして is used to request that someone send a message via the LINE messaging app.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun LINE (the most popular messaging app in Japan) and the te-form of the verb suru (to do), used here as a request meaning "Do LINE".
Which one should you use?
While メールして can technically mean sending any electronic message, it is almost exclusively used to refer to traditional email, whereas LINEして refers to instant messaging.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the request more polite or suitable for someone you are not close with, you add kudasai to the end of the te-form to create LINEしてください, which means "Please text me".
How do you pronounce it?
LINE shite
Did you know?
- When someone asks you to LINEして, it is common to reply using a sticker (スタンプ), which are large, expressive illustrations that often replace a written text response entirely.
- The cultural habit of LINEして has led to a phenomenon called LINE-tsukare, which translates to 'LINE fatigue' from the pressure to reply instantly to everyone.
- If you want to exchange contact information to start texting, you do not 'exchange numbers' but instead 'exchange LINE' (LINEを交換する).
Examples in context
- 暇（ひま）なら、メッセージを送（おく）ってくださいね。If you're free, please send me a message.
- 今度（こんど）会（あ）える？ ラインしてね！Can we meet up next time? Hit me up on Line!
- あとでLINEして。ato de LINE shite.Text me later.
- 準備ができたらLINEしてね。junbi ga dekitara LINE shite ne.Text me when you are ready.
- 何かあったらLINEして。nanika attara LINE shite.Text me if anything happens.
Example conversation
Two friends are saying goodbye after a hangout.
- 陽葵 Himari今日は楽しかったよ！kyou wa tanoshikatta yo!I had fun today!
- 陽太 Yotaうん、また遊ぼうね。un, mata asobou ne.Yeah, let's hang out again.
- 陽葵 Himari帰ったらLINEして。kaettara LINE shite.Text me when you get home.
- 陽太 Yotaわかった、陽葵。wakatta, Himari.Got it, Himari.
