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携帯電話
keitaidenwa
mobile phone
携帯電話を忘れてしまった
I forgot my mobile phone
general
A portable telephone that can be carried around and used for voice calls and text messaging
新しい携帯電話を買った
I bought a new mobile phone
携帯電話の充電が切れてしまった
My mobile phone ran out of battery
In modern usage, this term is often shortened to '携帯' (keitai) in casual conversation.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Abbreviation
In casual conversation, '携帯電話' is often shortened to '携帯' (keitai).
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
Use '携帯電話' in formal contexts and 'ケータイ' in informal settings.
Word Origin
Combination of 携帯 (keitai, meaning 'portable') and 電話 (denwa, meaning 'telephone')
Usage Notes
While '携帯電話' is the formal term, 'ケータイ' (keitai) is more commonly used in everyday speech. 'スマホ' (sumaho) specifically refers to smartphones.
Word Breakdown
携帯
portable
root電話
telephone
root和英辞典