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A2 verb #2,500 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

でんわする

denwasuru
At the A1 level, learners focus on the most basic form of 'denwa suru'. They learn it as a 'suru-verb' and use it in simple present and past tense sentences. The primary goal is to express the idea of calling a friend or family member. At this stage, the focus is on the 'Person + ni + denwa suru' pattern. Learners are taught to recognize the word in simple listening exercises, such as 'Ashita denwa shimasu' (I will call tomorrow). The emphasis is on survival Japanese—being able to say you will call someone or asking someone to call you. Vocabulary is kept simple, usually paired with nouns like 'tomodachi' (friend), 'okaasan' (mother), or 'sensei' (teacher). The distinction between 'suru' and 'shimasu' is introduced here.
At the A2 level, the learner's use of 'denwa suru' becomes more functional. They can now use it to make appointments, ask for permission ('denwa shite mo ii desu ka?'), and describe ongoing actions ('denwa shite imasu'). The A2 learner understands the difference between calling a friend (casual) and calling a doctor or a shop (polite). They start to use adverbs like 'ato de' (later) or 'sugu ni' (immediately) with the verb. This level also introduces the concept of 'denwa o kakeru' as a synonym. Learners can handle short, predictable phone conversations, such as answering the phone with 'moshi moshi' and stating that they are calling to talk to someone. They can also use the 'te-form' to connect 'denwa suru' with other actions, like 'denwa shite kara ikimasu' (I will go after calling).
By B1, the learner is expected to use 'denwa suru' in a variety of complex grammatical structures. This includes the potential form ('denwa dekiru' - can call), the volitional form ('denwa shiyou' - let's call), and the conditional forms ('denwa shitara' - if I call). B1 learners can explain reasons for calling using 'node' or 'kara'. They also begin to navigate the nuances of Japanese phone etiquette more deeply, using 'shitsurei shimasu' to end a call. They can handle situations where the person they are calling is unavailable, using phrases like 'mata ato de denwa shimasu' (I will call again later). The learner also starts to distinguish between 'denwa suru' and 'renraku suru' (to contact) based on the situation's requirements for clarity versus breadth.
At the B2 level, 'denwa suru' is used fluently in professional and social contexts. The learner is comfortable with various levels of politeness, including basic humble and honorific forms like 'o-denwa shimasu'. They can discuss the pros and cons of calling versus other forms of communication. B2 learners can understand and use the passive form ('denwa sareta' - was called by someone) and the causative form ('denwa saseru' - make someone call). They can also use 'denwa suru' in complex relative clauses, such as 'Kinou denwa shita toki ni kiita hanashi' (The story I heard when I called yesterday). Their understanding of 'denwa suru' extends to idiomatic usage and the cultural expectations of when a phone call is more appropriate than an email in a Japanese business environment.
C1 learners use 'denwa suru' with sophisticated nuance. They are aware of the subtle differences between 'denwa suru', 'denwa o kakeru', 'tsuwa suru', and 'o-denwa sashiageru'. They can navigate high-level business calls with ease, employing complex keigo (honorific speech) naturally. A C1 learner can discuss abstract topics over the phone and interpret the 'kuuki o yomu' (reading the air) aspects of a conversation where the speaker might not be saying something directly. They understand the historical and sociological impact of 'denwa suru' on Japanese society. They can also use the verb in literary or formal written contexts, choosing the most appropriate synonym to match the desired tone and register of the text.
At the C2 level, the mastery of 'denwa suru' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. The learner understands all possible connotations, including archaic or highly specialized uses. They can use the verb in wordplay, puns, or highly emotional rhetoric. They are fully versed in the most formal 'sonkeigo' and 'kenjougo' variations, using them flawlessly in high-stakes negotiations or formal ceremonies. The C2 learner can also analyze the linguistics of 'denwa suru' as a suru-verb compound and compare it with similar structures in other languages. They have a complete grasp of the evolution of the word and can use it to express the finest shades of meaning, such as the difference between a 'quick check-in call' and a 'formal telephonic consultation'.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

でんわする en 30 secondes

  • Core verb for making phone calls in Japanese.
  • A 'suru-verb' that conjugates irregularly but predictably.
  • Requires the particle 'ni' to indicate the person being called.
  • Essential for daily communication, business, and social life.

The Japanese verb でんわする (denwa suru) is a fundamental action word in modern Japanese communication. Etymologically, it is a compound verb consisting of the noun 電話 (denwa), meaning 'telephone' or 'electric talk', and the irregular verb する (suru), which means 'to do'. Together, they literally translate to 'to do a telephone call' or 'to perform the act of telephoning'. In the CEFR A2 level, this word is essential for daily life interactions, scheduling, and maintaining social connections. It covers the entire process of dialing, connecting, and speaking over a voice line.

Grammatical Category
Suru-verb (Group 3 Irregular). It conjugates exactly like 'suru'.
Core Meaning
To initiate or engage in a telephonic conversation with another party.
Particle Usage
Requires the particle に (ni) to indicate the recipient of the call.

「お母さんにでんわするのを忘れないでください。」 (Please don't forget to call your mother.)

In the digital age, while the physical 'telephone' has evolved into smartphones, the verb でんわする remains the standard term for voice calls, even those made via apps like LINE, WhatsApp, or Zoom, provided the primary mode of interaction is voice. It is distinct from 'messaging' (メールする or メッセージを送る). When using this verb, the speaker implies a direct, synchronous vocal exchange. The word carries a sense of directness and urgency that text-based communication lacks.

「明日、先生にでんわします。」 (I will call the teacher tomorrow.)

Formal Variation
電話をかける (denwa o kakeru) is often used to emphasize the 'making' of the call.
Honorifics
In business, one might say 'o-denwa itashimasu' to be humble.

Historically, the introduction of the telephone in Japan during the Meiji era necessitated new vocabulary. 'Denwa' was a neologism created using kanji for 'electricity' (電) and 'speech/talk' (話). By adding 'suru', the noun became a versatile action. This pattern is common in Japanese (Noun + Suru), allowing for rapid expansion of the lexicon as new technologies emerge. Even in high-level literature, this word maintains its utility, though it may be replaced by more specific terms like 'tsuwa suru' (to converse on the phone) in technical contexts.

「夜遅くにでんわしてすみません。」 (Sorry for calling late at night.)

Using でんわする correctly involves understanding its conjugation as a Group 3 verb and its interaction with particles. Because it is a 'suru' verb, its stem is 'denwa shi-'. For polite situations, you use でんわします (denwa shimasu). For past tense, でんわしました (denwa shimashita). For negative, でんわしません (denwa shimasen). This versatility makes it one of the first verbs learners master to describe their daily schedule.

  • The 'Ni' Particle: The most common mistake is using 'o' (object particle) for the person. Correct: 友達に電話する (Tomodachi ni denwa suru). Incorrect: 友達を電話する.
  • The 'De' Particle: Use 'de' to specify the device. スマホで電話する (Sumaho de denwa suru - Call via smartphone).
  • The 'To' Particle: Use 'to' when emphasizing the mutual conversation. 彼女と電話する (Kanojo to denwa suru - Talk with my girlfriend on the phone).

When you want to express the desire to call, you use the '-tai' form: でんわしたいです (denwa shitai desu). If you are asking for permission, the '-te mo ii desu ka' form is standard: でんわしてもいいですか (denwa shite mo ii desu ka?). In a professional setting, the verb often takes the honorific prefix 'o-', becoming お電話する (o-denwa suru), though this is usually used when referring to someone else's call or in very specific humble/honorific constructions.

「会社にでんわして、休みを伝えました。」 (I called the company and told them I'd be absent.)

Another important aspect is the 'te-iru' form, でんわしている (denwa shite iru). This can mean 'is currently on the phone' or 'is in the habit of calling'. If you see someone holding a phone to their ear, you would say 'Denwa shite imasu'. This progressive aspect is crucial for describing ongoing actions in the present moment.

You will encounter でんわする in almost every facet of Japanese life. In the workplace, it's a constant. You'll hear 'A-san ni denwa shite kudasai' (Please call Mr. A) or 'Ato de denwa shimasu' (I'll call later). In Japanese dramas and anime, characters often use this verb when reaching out to friends or family during pivotal plot points. Because Japan has a high standard for telephone etiquette (denwa mana-), the verb is often surrounded by polite set phrases.

In public spaces, you might hear announcements asking people to refrain from でんわする (making calls) on trains or buses. The phrase 'Densha-nai de no tsuwa wa go-enryo kudasai' is common, where 'tsuwa' is a more formal noun for 'calling', but in casual conversation, people will simply say 'Densha de denwa shinai de' (Don't call on the train).

「後ででんわするね！」 (I'll call you later, okay! - Casual)

At home, parents might tell their children 'Ojiichan ni denwa shinasai' (Call your grandfather). In customer service, if a representative needs to get back to you, they will say 'Ochikai uchi ni o-denwa itashimasu' (We will call you in the near future). The frequency of this word is high because, despite the rise of texting, voice calls remain the standard for official business and urgent personal matters in Japan.

The most frequent error for English speakers is the particle choice. In English, we 'call someone' (direct object). In Japanese, you 'do a phone call TO someone'. Therefore, using を (o) instead of に (ni) is a classic A1/A2 mistake. Always visualize the call traveling 'to' the person.

Another mistake is confusing でんわする with でんわがなる (denwa ga naru). The latter means 'the phone is ringing'. If you want to say 'I'm calling', use 'denwa shite iru'. If you say 'denwa ga natte iru', it means the device is making sound, not that you are the one initiating the conversation.

  • Wrong: 友達を電話しました。 (Tomodachi o denwa shimashita.)
  • Right: 友達に電話しました。 (Tomodachi ni denwa shimashita.)
  • Wrong: 電話をします (when you mean 'The phone is ringing').
  • Right: 電話が鳴っています。 (Denwa ga natte imasu.)

Learners also sometimes forget that でんわする is a verb. They might try to use 'denwa' alone as a verb. While 'denwa!' can be an exclamation meaning 'The phone!', to express the action, the 'suru' is mandatory. Lastly, be careful with the distinction between 'denwa suru' and 'denwa o kakeru'. While often interchangeable, 'kakeru' specifically refers to the act of dialing/initiating, whereas 'suru' covers the whole act of calling.

While でんわする is the most common term, several synonyms and related words exist depending on the context and level of formality. Understanding these helps in moving from A2 to B1 and beyond.

電話をかける (Denwa o kakeru)
Literally 'to hang a call'. This is very common and slightly more focused on the physical act of making the call. It's used interchangeably with 'denwa suru' in many contexts.
通話する (Tsuwa suru)
A more technical or formal term meaning 'to converse over telecommunication'. You'll see this in phone settings or bills.
連絡する (Renraku suru)
To contact. This is a broader term that could mean calling, emailing, or texting. If you aren't sure which method you'll use, use 'renraku suru'.
呼び出す (Yobidasu)
To call someone out or to page someone. This is used when you are calling someone to come to a specific place.

In casual slang, younger generations might use 'den-suru' (shortened) or simply refer to the app used, like 'LINE suru' (to message or call via LINE). However, for a learner, sticking to でんわする is the safest and most universally understood path. In business, 'o-denwa sashiageru' (to give a call - humble) is a high-level alternative you will hear when someone is calling a client.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

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Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

ともだちにでんわする。

I call my friend.

Basic present tense.

2

お母さんにでんわしました。

I called my mother.

Polite past tense.

3

あした、でんわします。

I will call tomorrow.

Future intent.

4

だれにでんわしますか。

Who will you call?

Question form with 'dare'.

5

でんわしてください。

Please call me.

Request form '-te kudasai'.

6

いま、でんわしています。

I am calling now.

Present progressive '-te iru'.

7

でんわしませんでした。

I did not call.

Polite negative past.

8

先生にでんわする？

Will you call the teacher? (Casual)

Casual question with rising intonation.

1

あとででんわしてもいいですか。

May I call you later?

Asking permission.

2

会社にでんわしなければなりません。

I must call the company.

Obligation '-nakereba narimasen'.

3

でんわするのが好きじゃないです。

I don't like making phone calls.

Nominalizing a verb with 'no'.

4

どこででんわしましたか。

Where did you make the call?

Locative particle 'de'.

5

もう一度でんわしてください。

Please call once more.

Adverb 'mou ichido'.

6

でんわして、友達を誘いました。

I called and invited my friend.

Connecting sentences with 'te-form'.

7

夜にでんわしないでください。

Please don't call at night.

Negative request '-nai de kudasai'.

8

スマホででんわします。

I will call using my smartphone.

Instrumental particle 'de'.

1

忙しいから、後で電話するね。

I'm busy, so I'll call later.

Reasoning with 'kara'.

2

電話したほうがいいですよ。

You should call.

Giving advice with '-ta hou ga ii'.

3

電話しようと思いましたが、忘れました。

I thought about calling, but I forgot.

Volitional + 'to omoimashita'.

4

電話できるかどうか分かりません。

I don't know if I can call or not.

Potential form + 'ka dou ka'.

5

電話した時、彼は寝ていました。

When I called, he was sleeping.

Time clause with 'toki'.

6

明日電話するように伝えてください。

Please tell them to call tomorrow.

Indirect command '-you ni tsutaeru'.

7

電話しすぎて、耳が痛いです。

I called too much and my ear hurts.

Excessive action '-sugiru'.

8

電話するのを忘れないようにします。

I will try not to forget to call.

Effort/Intent '-you ni suru'.

1

お電話いたしますので、少々お待ちください。

I will call you, so please wait a moment.

Humble form 'o-verb itashimasu'.

2

電話するたびに、彼は文句を言う。

Every time I call, he complains.

Repeated action 'tabi ni'.

3

急いで電話しなければならなかった。

I had to call in a hurry.

Past obligation.

4

電話したところで、解決しないだろう。

Even if I call, it probably won't be solved.

Concessive '-ta tokoro de'.

5

電話する代わりにメールを送った。

Instead of calling, I sent an email.

Substitution 'kawari ni'.

6

彼は私に電話させてくれない。

He won't let me make a call.

Causative negative.

7

電話さえすれば、すべてうまくいく。

If only you call, everything will go well.

Emphasis 'sae ... ba'.

8

電話したはずなのに、届いていないようだ。

I should have called, but it seems it didn't go through.

Expectation 'hazu'.

1

お電話を差し上げるのが遅くなり、申し訳ございません。

I apologize for the delay in calling you.

Very formal humble expression.

2

電話するまでもなく、結果は明らかだ。

The result is obvious without even calling.

Negative necessity 'made mo naku'.

3

電話するなり、彼は泣き出した。

As soon as he made the call, he started crying.

Immediate action 'nari'.

4

電話一本で済む話を、わざわざ会って話す。

To go out of one's way to meet for something that could be settled with a single call.

Noun phrase 'denwa ippon'.

5

電話するに越したことはないが、メールでも構わない。

Calling is best, but an email is also fine.

Preference 'ni koshita koto wa nai'.

6

電話するかたわら、資料を整理する。

While calling, I organize the documents.

Simultaneous action 'katawara'.

7

電話しようにも、番号がわからない。

Even if I wanted to call, I don't know the number.

Frustrated intent '-you ni mo'.

8

電話するだに恐ろしい相手だ。

He is an opponent so fearsome that even just calling him is terrifying.

Emphatic 'dani'.

1

電話する行為そのものが、現代社会における一種の儀式となっている。

The act of calling itself has become a kind of ritual in modern society.

Philosophical observation.

2

電話するに際して、細心の注意を払うべきマナーがある。

There are manners that require meticulous attention when making a call.

Formal occasion 'ni saishite'.

3

電話するだのしないだの、不毛な議論が続いた。

A fruitless argument continued about whether to call or not.

Listing actions 'dano ... dano'.

4

電話するが早いか、彼は受話器を叩きつけた。

No sooner had he called than he slammed down the receiver.

Immediate succession 'ga hayai ka'.

5

電話するゆえん、それは声を通じた魂の交流に他ならない。

The reason for calling is nothing other than the exchange of souls through voice.

Archaic/Formal 'yuen'.

6

電話するべからずという看板が、静寂を強いている。

A 'Do Not Call' sign is enforcing the silence.

Prohibition 'bekarazu'.

7

電話するのも憚られるような深夜に、ベルが鳴った。

The bell rang at a late hour when even calling would be hesitated.

Hesitation 'habakareru'.

8

電話するなり、相手の剣幕に圧倒された。

As soon as I called, I was overwhelmed by the other party's fury.

Conjunction 'nari' + noun 'kenmaku'.

Collocations courantes

友達に電話する
会社に電話する
スマホで電話する
夜遅くに電話する
間違い電話する
公衆電話で電話する
長電話する
予約の電話をする
確認の電話をする
お礼の電話をする

Phrases Courantes

後で電話します

電話してもいい？

電話をください

電話がありました

電話に出る

電話を回す

電話を借りる

電話を切らないで

電話が遠い

電話がつながらない

Souvent confondu avec

でんわする vs 電話をかける

More specific to the act of initiating/dialing.

でんわする vs 通話する

More formal/technical term for the conversation itself.

でんわする vs 連絡する

Broad term for contacting via any method.

Expressions idiomatiques

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Facile à confondre

でんわする vs

でんわする vs

でんわする vs

でんわする vs

でんわする vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

omission

In very casual speech, 'suru' might be dropped if the context is clear.

modern usage

Often used for VOIP calls (LINE, Skype) as well.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 'o' instead of 'ni' for the person.
  • Forgetting the 'suru' and just saying 'denwa'.
  • Confusing 'denwa suru' with 'denwa ga naru' (phone ringing).
  • Using 'denwa suru' for sending a text message.
  • Mispronouncing 'denwa' as 'den-a'.

Astuces

Particle Ni

Always pair the person you are calling with the particle 'ni'. It's the most important rule for this verb.

Public Manners

Avoid 'denwa suru' on Japanese trains. It is considered extremely rude to talk on the phone in quiet public spaces.

Suru-Verb Pattern

Mastering 'denwa suru' helps you understand hundreds of other Japanese verbs that follow the 'Noun + Suru' pattern.

Moshi Moshi

When you 'denwa suru' and someone picks up, or when you answer, 'Moshi moshi' is the essential greeting.

Humble Form

In a job interview or office, use 'o-denwa shimasu' to sound more professional and respectful.

Kanji Practice

Practice writing 電話. The first kanji means electricity and the second means talk. It makes the word easy to remember.

Verb Endings

Listen for '-shite iru' to know if someone is currently on a call versus planning to make one.

LINE Calls

Even if using the LINE app, most people still say 'denwa suru' if it's a voice call.

Ending Calls

Don't just hang up. Say 'shitsurei shimasu' and wait a second before pressing the end button.

Daily Practice

Try to narrate your day: 'Ima kara tomodachi ni denwa shimasu' to build muscle memory.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Sino-Japanese compound.

Contexte culturel

The specific set of rules for polite phone behavior in Japan.

The Japanese term for silent mode on a phone.

The standard greeting when answering the phone, derived from 'mousu' (to say).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"昨日、誰に電話しましたか？ (Who did you call yesterday?)"

"電話とメール、どちらが好きですか？ (Do you like calling or emailing better?)"

"一日に何回電話しますか？ (How many times a day do you make calls?)"

"知らない番号から電話が来たらどうしますか？ (What do you do if you get a call from an unknown number?)"

"最後に長電話したのはいつですか？ (When was the last time you had a long phone call?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、電話した相手について書いてください。 (Write about the person you called today.)

電話がなかったら、生活はどう変わりますか？ (How would life change without telephones?)

初めて日本語で電話した時の気持ちを書いてください。 (Write about how you felt the first time you called in Japanese.)

電話のマナーについてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about phone manners?)

将来、電話はなくなると思いますか？ (Do you think telephones will disappear in the future?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'ni' is required for the person you are calling because the call is directed 'to' them. Using 'o' is grammatically incorrect in this context.

It is acceptable, but 'o-denwa shimasu' or 'denwa o kakeru' are often preferred for a more professional tone. In very formal settings, use 'o-denwa sashiageru'.

They are mostly interchangeable. 'Denwa o kakeru' specifically emphasizes the act of 'placing' or 'making' the call, while 'denwa suru' is the general 'to call'.

You say 'Ima, denwa shite imasu' (I am calling/talking on the phone right now).

Casually: 'Denwa shite'. Politely: 'Denwa shite kudasai' or 'O-denwa kudasai'.

No, it specifically refers to voice calls. For texting, use 'me-ru suru' or 'messeeji o okuru'.

Use 'de'. For example, 'Sumaho de denwa suru' (Call with a smartphone).

No, it is an irregular 'suru-verb' (Group 3), meaning it follows the conjugation patterns of 'suru'.

Yes, adding the particle 'o' between 'denwa' and 'suru' is also correct and slightly more formal/emphatic, but 'denwa suru' is more common.

It means a 'wrong number' call. 'Machigai denwa o shimashita' means 'I called the wrong number'.

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