メールをしている
mēru o shite iru
The English phrase "texting" can be expressed in Japanese as メールをしている (mēru o shite iru).
The phrase メールをしている refers to the act of sending and receiving written messages using a mobile phone. In general, the term メール serves as an informal term for any type of electronic messaging, including texting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of メール (mail/email), the particle o (the object marker) and shite iru (is doing).
Which one should you use?
While メールをしている is a general term for texting, many Japanese speakers will specifically say LINEをしている to refer to texting via the LINE app, which is the dominant messaging platform in Japan.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form メールをしている is the continuous form. To express the general habit or the simple act of texting, use the dictionary form メールをする.
How do you pronounce it?
mēru o shite iru
Did you know?
- Before the rise of smartphones, Japan had a unique system called i-mode that allowed mobile internet and texting long before it was common in the West.
- Japanese users often use スタンプ 'sutanpu', or stickers, to end a conversation instead of a written text to avoid the awkwardness of a formal closing.
- Texting culture in Japan often involves 顔文字 'kaomoji', which are complex emoticons using various characters to create detailed faces like (^_^).
Examples in context
- 私はチャットで友達と連絡を取ります。I communicate with my friends through chat.
- 昨日友達とメールで話しました。Yesterday, I talked with my friend through email/texting.
- 彼女は今、友達とメールをしている。Kanojo wa ima, tomodachi to mēru o shite iru.She is texting a friend right now.
- 歩きながらメールをしているのは危ないですよ。Arukinagara mēru o shite iru no wa abunai desu yo.It is dangerous to be texting while walking.
Example conversation
Misaki finds Kenta distracted by his phone.
- 美咲 Misaki健太、またメールをしているの？Kenta, mata mēru o shite iru no?Kenta, are you texting again?
- 健太 Kentaうん、急ぎの連絡があるんだ。Un, isogi no renraku ga aru nda.Yeah, I have an urgent message.
- 美咲 Misakiご飯のときはやめてよ。Gohan no toki wa yamete yo.Stop doing it while we are eating.
- 健太 Kentaごめん、もう終わりにするよ。Gomen, mō owari ni suru yo.Sorry, I'll stop now.
