A1 Collocation Neutre

携帯電話を使う

keitai denwa o tsukau

Use a mobile phone

Phrase in 30 Seconds

This phrase is the standard way to describe operating a mobile phone in Japanese.

  • Means: To use or operate a mobile phone device.
  • Used in: Daily conversations about technology, work, or social habits.
  • Don't confuse: Using '電話をかける' (to make a call) with '携帯電話を使う' (to use the device generally).
📱 + 👆 = 携帯電話を使う

Explanation at your level:

This phrase means to use a mobile phone. You use it when talking about your phone or telling someone to use theirs.
It is a standard collocation for operating a mobile device. It is used in daily life to discuss technology habits or to give instructions regarding phone etiquette in public spaces.
This phrase is a functional collocation. It is essential for navigating social norms in Japan, where specific rules about phone usage in public transport or quiet areas are strictly observed and frequently discussed using this exact phrasing.
The phrase serves as a foundational element in discourse regarding digital literacy and social etiquette. It is frequently employed in formal signage and public policy communications to delineate acceptable behaviors regarding mobile device interaction in shared environments.
As a high-frequency collocation, it reflects the intersection of linguistic evolution and technological integration. Its usage is nuanced by the shift from 'Keitai' to 'Sumaho,' mirroring the socio-technological transition in Japanese society toward ubiquitous smartphone connectivity.
This collocation exemplifies the lexicalization of modern technology within the Japanese language. It functions as a primary node in the semantic field of telecommunications, demonstrating how transitive verb structures adapt to accommodate the rapid proliferation of personal mobile computing devices in contemporary discourse.

Signification

To operate a cell phone.

🌍

Contexte culturel

Phone usage on trains is considered rude.

💡

Use 'Sumaho'

In casual conversation, 'Sumaho' is much more common than 'Keitai'.

Signification

To operate a cell phone.

💡

Use 'Sumaho'

In casual conversation, 'Sumaho' is much more common than 'Keitai'.

Teste-toi

Which verb is correct for 'making a call'?

携帯電話を____。

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : かける

Use 'かける' for calls, '使う' for general device usage.

🎉 Score : /1

Questions fréquentes

1 questions

No, 'Keitai' specifically means portable.

Expressions liées

🔗

電話をかける

contrast

To make a call

Où l'utiliser

🚆

Public Transport

Announcer: 電車内では携帯電話を使うのをお控えください。

formal
☕

At a Cafe

Friend: ちょっと携帯電話を使ってもいい？

informal

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Keitai' as 'K-tie' (you are tied to your phone).

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a phone and tapping the screen with their finger.

Story

Ken goes to the train. He wants to check his email. He takes out his phone. He uses his phone. He is happy.

Word Web

電話スマホ使う操作アプリ通話

Défi

Describe three things you do on your phone using this phrase.

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Usar el celular

No major difference.

French high

Utiliser le téléphone portable

French is slightly more formal in its phrasing.

German high

Das Handy benutzen

The word 'Handy' is a German-English pseudo-anglicism.

Japanese self

携帯電話を使う

None.

Arabic high

استخدام الهاتف المحمول

Arabic often uses the verbal noun (masdar) for general statements.

Easily Confused

携帯電話を使う vs 電話をかける

Learners think it means 'to use the phone'.

Use 'かける' for calls, '使う' for the device.

FAQ (1)

No, 'Keitai' specifically means portable.

C'tait utile ?

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