メッセージを残す
彼が不在だったので、メッセージを残しておいた。
Since he wasn't there, I left him a message.
To leave a verbal or written communication for someone who is not present.
留守電にメッセージを残す
Leave a message on the answering machine
メールでメッセージを残す
Leave a message via email
Commonly used in contexts like voicemail, emails, or notes where the recipient is absent.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Polite vs. Casual
In formal settings, you might use 「メッセージをお預かりします」 (I will take your message) or 「メッセージをお預かりいたします」 (I will take your message, humble form). In casual settings, simply use 「メッセージを残す」.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Always consider whether the message is being left for someone in person, via voicemail, or in writing. The phrasing can slightly vary depending on the medium.
Word Origin
メッセージ (message) is a loanword from English, and 残す (nokosu) means 'to leave behind' or 'to save.' The phrase combines these to mean 'to leave a message.'
Usage Notes
This phrase is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in digital communication like emails, voicemails, and social media.