Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 伝言 | dengon | [dẽ̞ŋɡõ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| メール | mēru | [me̞ːɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| テキストメッセージ | tekisuto messēji |
A text message is a brief electronic message. While you can translate it literally, Japanese speakers have several ways to refer to different types of electronic communication.
Which one should you use?
The term メール is the most common way to refer to any electronic message, including both emails and mobile messages. For the specific concept of SMS or text messages, the colloquial term ショートメール is frequently used in Japan. The direct loanword テキストメッセージ is also available but is less common in daily conversation. For conversational-style messaging or instant messaging, the term チャット is used, while メッセージ is an informal way to refer to a text message.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
テキストメッセージ is used in technical or formal contexts. In everyday, informal conversations, it is much more common to use メール or ショートメール. The term メッセージ is also used informally.
How do you pronounce it?
dengon
Did you know?
- In Japan, the culture of 'texting' evolved via i-mode, a mobile internet service launched in 1999 that allowed email on phones long before smartphones existed.
- Many Japanese people use LINE, a specific app, as a verb to mean sending a text message, regardless of the technical term.
- While メール is borrowed from 'mail', it is rarely used to refer to physical letters, which are called 手紙.
Examples in context
- そんなショートメール、送った覚えないけど。I don't remember sending that text message.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of メール.Tatoeba #13216401 by small_snow, translation #5045605 by Hybrid
Example conversation
Yota is asking Misaki about a message she left.
- 陽太 Yota美咲、伝言ありがとう。Misaki, dengon arigatou.Misaki, thanks for the message.
- 美咲 Misakiどういたしまして。dou itashimashite.You're welcome.
- 陽太 Yota内容は分かりましたか？naiyou wa wakarimashita ka?Did you understand the content?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、大丈夫です。hai, daijoubu desu.Yes, it's all clear.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “text message” translations and entries 伝言, メール, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
