When you are learning Japanese at an A2 level, you should know how to talk about everyday objects and actions. The word 電話 (denwa) is essential for this. It means both 'telephone' as the device and 'phone call' as the action.
You will use 電話 when you want to say things like 'I'm making a phone call' or 'Where is the telephone?' Mastering this word helps you communicate about daily routines and necessities, like contacting friends or asking for information.
It's a foundational word for building more complex sentences related to communication.
When you're learning Japanese, you'll often encounter words that have multiple related meanings, just like in English. A great example of this is 電話 (denwa). You might already know it means 'telephone' or the physical device.
However, 電話 (denwa) can also refer to a 'phone call' itself, the action or event of calling someone. So, if someone says 「電話をします」 (denwa o shimasu), they are literally saying 'I will do a phone call' or 'I will make a phone call'.
You can also hear 「電話がありました」 (denwa ga arimashita), which means 'There was a phone call' or 'I received a phone call'. Understanding these nuances will help you communicate more naturally and effectively in Japanese.
When talking about phones in Japanese, the word 電話 (denwa) is essential. It can refer to the physical device itself, like a smartphone or a landline, or it can mean a phone call. The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended.
For example, if you say 電話をかける (denwa o kakeru), it means "to make a phone call." If you say 電話に出る (denwa ni deru), it means "to answer the phone." You'll hear this word frequently in daily conversation, so understanding its dual meaning is quite practical.
When discussing the Japanese word 「電話」(denwa), which means "telephone" or "phone call," it's useful to understand its usage in a broader context. While the core meaning remains constant, at a C2 level, one might encounter more nuanced expressions or formal situations where 「電話」 is part of a larger, more complex sentence structure. For instance, in business settings, you might hear phrases like 「お電話差し上げます」 (o-denwa sashiagemasu - I will call you) which uses polite honorifics. Conversely, in casual conversation, it can be shortened or used with different verbs, like 「電話する」 (denwa suru - to make a phone call).
The Japanese word 電話 (denwa) is essential for everyday communication. You'll hear it in many situations, from formal business settings to casual conversations with friends. Let's look at some common places where this word comes up.
§ At Work
In the workplace, 電話 is used constantly. You'll hear phrases about making calls, receiving calls, and dealing with phone issues.
「お客様からお電話がありました。」
Hint: "There was a phone call from a customer." This is a very common phrase you'll hear from colleagues or receptionists.
「山田さんに電話してください。」
Hint: "Please call Mr./Ms. Yamada." This is a direct instruction you might receive from your boss or a senior colleague.
§ At School or University
Even in schools, 電話 is used frequently, especially by staff and teachers, but also by students. You might hear about calls to parents, or about using a school phone.
「先生が保護者に電話をかけました。」
Hint: "The teacher called the parent." This implies a communication regarding a student's situation.
「学校の電話を使っていいですか？」
Hint: "May I use the school phone?" A student might ask this if they need to make an important call.
§ In the News or Public Announcements
When you read or watch the news in Japanese, 電話 will often appear, especially in reports about emergencies, customer service, or public initiatives.
「緊急の際は、警察に電話してください。」
Hint: "In an emergency, please call the police." You'll see this in public safety announcements.
「お問い合わせは、こちらの電話番号まで。」
Hint: "For inquiries, please call this phone number." This is a standard closing phrase for advertisements or public service messages.
§ Everyday Life and General Conversations
Beyond formal settings, 電話 is a common word in daily conversations among friends and family.
「後で電話するね。」
Hint: "I'll call you later." A casual way to say you'll get in touch.
「友達と電話で話した。」
Hint: "I talked to my friend on the phone." A simple statement about communicating by phone.
As you can see, 電話 is a versatile word you'll encounter constantly in Japan. Pay attention to how it's used in different contexts to fully grasp its nuances.
How Formal Is It?
"電話番号を教えていただけますか？ (Could you please tell me your telephone number?)"
"電話がかかってきました。(I received a phone call.)"
"ちょっと電話してくるね。(I'm just going to make a quick call.)"
"もしもし、お母さん？(Hello, Mom? - often used by children when answering the phone or talking on the phone)"
"今から電するわ。(I'm gonna call now. - shortened, very casual)"
재미있는 사실
The 'wa' character (話) is also used in words like 'hanasu' (to speak) and 'kaiwa' (conversation).
발음 가이드
- Don't emphasize the 'wa' too much; it's a quick sound.
수준별 예문
電話番号を教えてください。
Please tell me your phone number.
彼は今電話中です。
He is on the phone right now.
電話がかかってきました。
I received a phone call.
携帯電話をなくしました。
I lost my mobile phone.
後で電話します。
I will call you later.
電話で予約しました。
I made a reservation by phone.
電話をかけ直してください。
Please call me back.
緊急の場合は、この電話番号におかけください。
In case of emergency, please call this number.
昨日、友達と長い電話をした。
Yesterday, I had a long phone call with a friend.
長い (nagai) - long, 電話をする (denwa o suru) - to make a phone call
電話番号を教えてもらえますか？
Could you tell me your phone number?
電話番号 (denwa bangou) - phone number, 教えてもらう (oshiete morau) - to be taught/shown (polite request)
彼からの電話を待っている。
I'm waiting for a phone call from him.
からの (kara no) - from, 待っている (matte iru) - am waiting
電話に出られませんでした。
I couldn't answer the phone.
電話に出る (denwa ni deru) - to answer the phone, られませんでした (raremasen deshita) - couldn't (polite past negative potential)
緊急の電話が入った。
An urgent phone call came in.
緊急の (kinkyuu no) - urgent, 電話が入る (denwa ga hairu) - a phone call comes in
電話をかけるのが苦手だ。
I'm not good at making phone calls.
電話をかける (denwa o kakeru) - to make a phone call, 苦手だ (nigate da) - am not good at
この電話はどこで買えますか？
Where can I buy this phone?
どこで (doko de) - where, 買えますか (kaemasu ka) - can buy (polite interrogative)
会議中に電話が鳴った。
The phone rang during the meeting.
会議中 (kaigichuu) - during a meeting, 電話が鳴る (denwa ga naru) - the phone rings
電話一本で何でも解決できる時代は、もう過去のものです。
The era where a single phone call could solve everything is a thing of the past.
一本で (ippon de) - 'with one' emphasizes the singularity of the phone call. もう過去のものです (mou kako no mono desu) - 'is already a thing of the past' is a common expression.
緊急事態発生時には、迅速な電話連絡が不可欠となります。
In an emergency, prompt phone communication becomes indispensable.
発生時 (hassei ji) - 'at the time of occurrence.' 不可欠となります (fukaketsu to narimasu) - 'becomes indispensable' (formal).
彼の提案は、多くの議論の電話口で否定されてしまった。
His proposal was rejected over many phone calls of discussion.
電話口で (denwa guchi de) - 'on the phone/over the phone' (literally 'at the phone's mouth'). 否定されてしまった (hiteisarete shimatta) - 'ended up being rejected' (indicating an undesirable outcome).
深夜の電話は、概して良い知らせではないことが多い。
Late-night phone calls are generally not often good news.
概して (gaishite) - 'generally, on the whole.' ではないことが多い (de wa nai koto ga ooi) - 'is often not the case.'
重要な情報は、書面だけでなく電話でも確認すべきだ。
Important information should be confirmed not only in writing but also by phone.
だけでなく (dake de naku) - 'not only... but also.' 確認すべきだ (kakunin subeki da) - 'should be confirmed.'
彼女は電話一本で世界中とビジネスを展開している。
She conducts business all over the world with just one phone call.
電話一本で (denwa ippon de) - 'with just one phone call.' 展開している (tenkai shite iru) - 'is developing/conducting.'
長時間の電話会議は、集中力を維持するのが難しい。
It's difficult to maintain concentration during long phone conferences.
長時間の (chou jikan no) - 'long-hour, prolonged.' 維持するのが難しい (iji suru no ga muzukashii) - 'difficult to maintain.'
予期せぬ電話に、彼は少し戸惑った様子だった。
He seemed a little bewildered by the unexpected phone call.
予期せぬ (yoki senu) - 'unexpected, unforeseen.' 戸惑った様子だった (tomadotta yousu datta) - 'seemed bewildered' (様子だ yousu da - 'it seems that...').
자주 혼동되는 단어
While 'harō' is 'hello', it's a general greeting and not typically used when answering a phone in Japanese. Use もしもし instead.
This refers specifically to a smartphone, whereas ケータイ (keitai) often implies an older feature phone or flip phone.
連絡する means 'to contact' in a general sense (email, text, phone), while 電話をかける is specific to making a phone call.
문법 패턴
혼동하기 쉬운
Often confused with a general greeting like 'hello'.
This is specifically used when answering the phone or to get someone's attention over the phone. You wouldn't use it in person.
もしもし、山田さんですか？ (Moshi moshi, Yamada-san desu ka?) - Hello, is this Mr./Ms. Yamada?
Sometimes learners think it's a generic word for 'phone'.
While it literally means 'portable phone', it specifically refers to an older style flip phone or feature phone. Modern smartphones are usually called スマートフォン (sumātofon) or スマホ (sumaho).
私のケータイは古いです。 (Watashi no keitai wa furui desu.) - My flip phone is old.
The verb 'kakeru' can have many meanings, so learners might struggle to remember its use with 'denwa'.
'Denwa o kakeru' specifically means 'to make a phone call' or 'to call someone'. The verb 'kakeru' here implies initiating an action.
友達に電話をかけます。 (Tomodachi ni denwa o kakemasu.) - I will call my friend.
The verb 'deru' also has many meanings, making this phrase tricky.
'Denwa ni deru' means 'to answer the phone'. 'Deru' in this context means to 'come out' or 'emerge', implying answering the ringing phone.
電話に出てください。 (Denwa ni dete kudasai.) - Please answer the phone.
Simple 'aru' (to exist) might seem too basic for 'having a call'.
'Denwa ga aru' means 'there is a phone call' or 'someone called'. It refers to the presence of a call, often implying a missed call or a call waiting.
あなたに電話があります。 (Anata ni denwa ga arimasu.) - You have a phone call (someone called for you).
문장 패턴
〜で電話します
会社で電話します。
電話をかけます
友達に電話をかけます。
電話を受けます
母からの電話を受けます。
電話番号
電話番号を教えてください。
電話に出ます
すみません、電話に出ます。
電話があります
田中さんから電話がありました。
電話中
彼は今、電話中です。
電話を切る
話が終わったら電話を切ります。
어휘 가족
명사
동사
팁
Basic Meaning of Denwa
「電話」 (denwa) literally means 'electric talk' or 'electric speech.' It's a fundamental word, so make sure you memorize it.
Using Denwa for 'Telephone'
When you want to say 'telephone' as a noun, you use 「電話」. For example, 「電話がありますか？」 (Denwa ga arimasu ka?) means 'Do you have a telephone?'
Using Denwa for 'Phone Call'
「電話」 can also refer to a 'phone call.' For example, 「電話をかけます」 (Denwa o kakemasu) means 'I will make a phone call' or 'I will call someone.'
Verbs with Denwa
The most common verbs used with 「電話」 are 「かける」 (kakeru - to make a call), 「出る」 (deru - to answer a call), and 「する」 (suru - to make a call/call).
Answering the Phone
When you answer the phone, you might hear 「もしもし」 (Moshimoshi), which is like saying 'Hello?' or 'Are you there?' Then you could say 「電話に出ます」 (Denwa ni demasu) meaning 'I will answer the phone.'
Making a Phone Call
To initiate a call, you say 「電話をかける」 (Denwa o kakeru). For example, 「友達に電話をかけます」 (Tomodachi ni denwa o kakemasu) means 'I will call my friend.'
Having a Phone Call
To say you are having a phone call, you can use 「電話する」 (Denwa suru). For example, 「彼女と電話していました」 (Kanojo to denwa shite imashita) means 'I was on the phone with her.'
Mobile Phone vs. Landline
While 「電話」 is general, if you want to specify a mobile phone, you say 「携帯電話」 (Keitai denwa). For a landline, you might hear 「固定電話」 (Kotei denwa).
Asking for a Phone Number
To ask for someone's phone number, you'd say 「電話番号は何ですか？」 (Denwa bangō wa nan desu ka?), which means 'What is your phone number?'
Common Phrases
Practice common phrases like 「電話してください」 (Denwa shite kudasai - Please call me) and 「電話があります」 (Denwa ga arimasu - There is a phone call/There is a telephone).
암기하기
기억법
Think of it this way: 'Denwa' sounds a bit like 'then, wow!' Imagine getting a call on a brand new, amazing phone – 'then, wow!'
시각적 연상
Picture a classic rotary phone, maybe even one from an old movie. Connect the sound 'den-wa' to this image in your mind. The 'den' part can make you think of 'dialing,' and 'wa' can sound like the 'ring' of the phone.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to incorporate '電話' into your daily thoughts. For instance, when you see your phone, think 'denwa'. If you're waiting for a call, think 'denwa ga kuru' (a phone call is coming). When you hear a phone ring, say 'denwa ga naru' (the phone is ringing) in your head. The more you connect it to real-world actions, the better it will stick.
어원
From 'den' (electric) + 'wa' (talk/speak)
원래 의미: Electric talk
Sino-Japanese (kango)문화적 맥락
When making a phone call in Japan, it's common to say 「もしもし」 (moshi moshi) when answering or initiating a call, which is unique to phone conversations. While physical landlines are less common now, the word 「電話」 is still widely used for mobile phones (携帯電話 - keitai denwa) and phone calls in general.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
Making or receiving a phone call
- 電話をかける (denwa o kakeru) - to make a phone call
- 電話に出る (denwa ni deru) - to answer the phone
- 電話を切る (denwa o kiru) - to hang up the phone
Referring to the phone device itself
- スマートフォン (sumātofon) - smartphone
- 携帯電話 (keitai denwa) - mobile phone
- 固定電話 (kotei denwa) - landline phone
Asking for someone's phone number or contact information
- 電話番号 (denwa bangō) - phone number
- 電話番号を教えてください (denwa bangō o oshiete kudasai) - Please tell me your phone number.
Describing phone-related actions or situations
- 電話中 (denwachū) - on the phone
- 電話がかかってくる (denwa ga kakatte kuru) - to receive a phone call
- 電話が遠い (denwa ga tōi) - the phone connection is bad/distant
Using the phone for communication
- 電話で話す (denwa de hanasu) - to talk on the phone
- 電話で連絡する (denwa de renraku suru) - to contact by phone
대화 시작하기
"普段、誰とよく電話で話しますか？ (Fudan, dare to yoku denwa de hanashimasu ka?) - Who do you usually talk to on the phone a lot?"
"最近、一番長かった電話は何でしたか？ (Saikin, ichiban nagakatta denwa wa nan deshita ka?) - What was the longest phone call you had recently?"
"電話とメール、どちらをよく使いますか？ (Denwa to mēru, dochira o yoku tsukaimasu ka?) - Which do you use more, phone calls or emails?"
"電話でのコミュニケーションで難しいと感じることはありますか？ (Denwa de no komyunikēshon de muzukashii to kanjiru koto wa arimasu ka?) - Do you find anything difficult about communicating by phone?"
"もし電話がなかったら、生活はどう変わると思いますか？ (Moshi denwa ga nakattara, seikatsu wa dō kawaru to omoimasu ka?) - How do you think life would change if there were no phones?"
일기 주제
電話を使って、何か良いニュースを聞いた経験を書いてみましょう。(Denwa o tsukatte, nani ka yoi nyūsu o kiita keiken o kaite mimashō.) - Write about an experience where you heard some good news over the phone.
電話が私たちの生活に与える影響について、良い点と悪い点を考えてみましょう。(Denwa ga watashitachi no seikatsu ni ataeru eikyō ni tsuite, yoi ten to warui ten o kangaete mimashō.) - Think about the good and bad impacts of phones on our lives.
電話での会話で、誤解が生じた経験について書いてみましょう。(Denwa de no kaiwa de, gokai ga shōjita keiken ni tsuite kaite mimashō.) - Write about an experience where a misunderstanding occurred during a phone conversation.
未来の電話はどのような機能を持つようになると思いますか？ (Mirai no denwa wa dono yō na kinō o motsu yō ni naru to omoimasu ka?) - What kind of features do you think phones will have in the future?
もし誰かに電話で感謝の気持ちを伝えるとしたら、誰に何を伝えますか？ (Moshi dareka ni denwa de kansha no kimochi o tsutaeru to shitara, dare ni nani o tsutaemasu ka?) - If you were to express gratitude to someone over the phone, who would it be and what would you say?
셀프 테스트 102 질문
___で話しています。(I am talking on the ___.)
The sentence indicates an action of 'talking on' something, and '電話' (denwa - telephone) fits this context perfectly.
彼に___をかけます。(I will make a ___ to him.)
The phrase '電話をかける' (denwa o kakeru) means 'to make a phone call'.
私の___番号は何ですか。(What is my ___ number?)
'電話番号' (denwa bangou) means 'phone number'.
会社に___がありました。(There was a ___ at the company.)
In this context, '電話があった' (denwa ga atta) means 'there was a phone call'.
私は毎日母と___で話します。(I talk to my mother on the ___ every day.)
This sentence describes talking to someone daily, and '電話' (denwa - phone) is the most logical means of communication in this sentence structure.
新しい___が欲しいです。(I want a new ___.)
While other options are things you might want, '電話' (denwa - phone) is a common item to desire as new technology comes out.
Which of these means 'phone call'?
電話 (denwa) means telephone or phone call. 本 (hon) is book, 車 (kuruma) is car, and 猫 (neko) is cat.
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 私は新しい___を買いました。(I bought a new ___.)
電話 (denwa) fits the context of 'buying a new phone'. 水 (mizu) is water, 食べ物 (tabemono) is food, and 家 (ie) is house.
Which word describes making a call?
電話をかけます (denwa o kakemasu) means 'to make a phone call'. The other options describe drinking water, reading a book, and driving a car.
「電話」は日本語で「telephone」という意味です。
Yes, 電話 (denwa) means telephone or phone call in Japanese.
あなたは電話を食べます。(You eat a phone.) is a correct sentence.
No, you don't eat a phone. This sentence is grammatically structured like 'You eat X', but the meaning is illogical. The verb for 'eat' is 食べます (tabemasu).
「電話」は「denwa」と読みます。
Yes, the Japanese word 電話 is read as 'denwa'.
This sentence means 'I will make a phone call.' The basic structure is 'Subject + Object + Verb.'
This sentence means 'This is my phone.' 'これは' means 'this is', and '私の' means 'my'.
This sentence means 'What is your phone number?' '電話番号' means 'phone number', and '何ですか' asks 'what is it?'.
___ をかける (kakeru) - to make a phone call.
To say 'to make a phone call' in Japanese, you use '電話をかける'.
私の___ は新しいです。 (Watashi no ___ wa atarashii desu.) - My phone is new.
'電話' means 'phone' or 'telephone'.
___ で話す (denwa de hanasu) - to talk on the phone.
The particle 'で' indicates the means by which an action is performed. Here, it means 'by phone'.
友達に___ をする。 (Tomodachi ni ___ o suru.) - I'll make a call to my friend.
'電話をする' is another common way to say 'to make a phone call'.
___ 番号 (denwa bangou) - phone number.
When combined with '番号 (bangou)', '電話' means 'phone number'.
私の___ が鳴っています。 (Watashi no ___ ga natte imasu.) - My phone is ringing.
'電話' is the object that would 'ring' (鳴る - naru).
What am I doing with a phone?
I'm asking about the location of a phone.
Whose phone is it?
Read this aloud:
電話をください。
Focus: denwa
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
電話番号は何ですか？
Focus: bangō
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
電話に出てください。
Focus: dekudasai
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence using 「電話」 to say "I will make a phone call."
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
電話をかけます。
Write a sentence asking "Is there a phone?"
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
電話がありますか。
Write a short sentence saying "I received a phone call."
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
電話が来ました。
Where is the phone mentioned in the passage?
Read this passage:
すみません、電話はどこですか。駅の近くに電話があります。
Where is the phone mentioned in the passage?
The passage says 「駅の近くに電話があります」 which means 'There is a phone near the station.'
The passage says 「駅の近くに電話があります」 which means 'There is a phone near the station.'
What is Yamada-san doing?
Read this passage:
山田さんは友達に電話をかけます。今日はたくさん話したいです。
What is Yamada-san doing?
The passage states 「山田さんは友達に電話をかけます」, meaning 'Yamada-san makes a phone call to a friend.'
The passage states 「山田さんは友達に電話をかけます」, meaning 'Yamada-san makes a phone call to a friend.'
What does the speaker want to know?
Read this passage:
電話番号を教えてください。すぐに電話します。
What does the speaker want to know?
The passage says 「電話番号を教えてください」, which means 'Please tell me your phone number.'
The passage says 「電話番号を教えてください」, which means 'Please tell me your phone number.'
The correct order is 'Afterward, I will call him.'
The correct order is 'Where is the phone?'
The correct order is 'Please give me a moment to make a phone call.'
Choose the correct kanji for 'denwa'.
The kanji for 'den' (electricity) is 電 and 'wa' (talk) is 話. Together they form 電話 (denwa), meaning telephone or phone call.
Which of these is the most appropriate way to ask 'May I use your phone?'
「～てもいいですか」(-temo ii desu ka?) is a common and polite way to ask for permission. The other options are either asking where the phone is, demanding a phone, or asking if a phone exists.
What does 「電話に出る」 (denwa ni deru) mean?
「出る」 (deru) often means 'to come out' or 'to appear'. When combined with 「電話に」 (denwa ni), it means to respond to a ringing phone, or to answer the phone.
You would typically use 「電話をかける」 (denwa o kakeru) when someone is calling you.
「電話をかける」 (denwa o kakeru) means 'to make a phone call'. When someone is calling you, you would typically use 「電話がかかってくる」 (denwa ga kakatte kuru) or 「電話に出る」 (denwa ni deru).
The phrase 「電話番号」 (denwa bangou) refers to a telephone number.
「電話」 (denwa) means telephone/phone call, and 「番号」 (bangou) means number. So, 「電話番号」 (denwa bangou) literally translates to 'telephone number'.
If you want to say 'My phone is broken', you can say 「私の電話は壊れています」 (Watashi no denwa wa kowarete imasu).
「壊れています」 (kowarete imasu) is the correct way to say something 'is broken' in Japanese. So, this sentence accurately conveys 'My phone is broken'.
This sentence means 'I will call Mr. Tanaka later.' The typical Japanese sentence structure is Time + Recipient + Object + Verb.
This sentence means 'I spoke with her on the phone.' The particle 'と' indicates 'with' and 'で' indicates the means by which something is done.
This sentence means 'Please call me when you arrive.' '着いたら' means 'when you arrive,' and '私に電話してください' means 'please call me.'
先週の金曜日、仕事中に急に気分が悪くなり、すぐに救急車を___。
「救急車を呼ぶ」は、救急車が来るように手配するという意味で使われます。ここでは、気分が悪くなったので救急車を呼んだ、という文脈が適切です。
新しいスマートフォンの予約をしましたが、いつ頃手元に届くのか、まだショップから___がありません。
「連絡」は、情報やメッセージを伝えることを指します。ここでは、スマートフォンが届く時期についての情報がショップからまだ伝えられていない、という文脈が適切です。
会議中に携帯の___が鳴ってしまい、皆に迷惑をかけてしまいました。
「着信音」は、電話がかかってきたときに鳴る音です。会議中に携帯が鳴ったという文脈から、着信音が適切です。
海外出張中、家族とは毎日___で連絡を取り合っています。
海外出張中に家族と「毎日連絡を取り合っている」という文脈から、顔を見ながら話せる「ビデオ通話」が現代的で自然な選択肢です。
緊急時に備えて、常に家族の___番号を控えています。
「緊急時に備えて」という文脈と「家族の___番号」から、すぐに連絡が取れる「電話番号」が適切です。
大事な情報なので、後で___で確認をお願いします。
「後で___で確認をお願いします」という文脈で、直接話して確認する手段として「電話」が適切です。特に、大事な情報で確実な確認が求められる場合によく使われます。
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 彼は友人に___をかけた。
The sentence means 'He made a ___ to his friend.' '電話をかける' (denwa o kakeru) is the common phrase for 'to make a phone call.'
Which of the following describes a situation where you would typically use a '電話'?
A '電話' is used for real-time vocal communication, often over a distance.
Select the sentence where '電話' is used correctly in the context of receiving a call.
'電話に出る' (denwa ni deru) means 'to answer the phone.' The other options are nonsensical.
「電話」は通常、書面でのコミュニケーションを指します。(Typically, '電話' refers to written communication.)
「電話」refers to verbal communication, specifically a phone call, not written communication.
もし誰かがあなたの電話番号を尋ねたら、それは彼らがあなたに電話をかけることができるようにするためです。(If someone asks for your phone number, it's so they can call you.)
Giving your phone number allows others to contact you via telephone.
緊急時には、電話は迅速な連絡手段として非常に有効です。(In emergencies, a phone is a very effective means of rapid communication.)
Phones are crucial for quick communication during emergencies, allowing for immediate contact with help or others.
Listen for how to politely ask if you've reached someone's home.
Listen for the reason why the speaker can't hear well.
Listen for what the speaker will do later.
Read this aloud:
電話番号を教えていただけますか？
Focus: denwa bango
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
今、手が離せないので、後で電話します。
Focus: ima tega hanasenai node
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
昨日、友達と電話で長い時間話しました。
Focus: nagai jikan hanashimashita
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen for a polite phone inquiry.
Listen for an explanation about a busy phone line.
Listen for a statement about a dying phone battery and a callback.
Read this aloud:
お電話ありがとうございます。ABC株式会社の田中です。
Focus: 「お電話」の丁寧な発音
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
先ほどお電話差し上げましたが、お出になりませんでした。
Focus: 「差し上げましたが」の自然なイントネーション
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
急ぎの用件でしたら、私の携帯電話に直接おかけください。
Focus: 「おかけください」の丁寧な依頼
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'Please write down the phone number for emergencies.' The order follows a common Japanese sentence structure where the reason comes first, followed by the action and the request.
This sentence translates to 'When making an international call, the country code is needed first.' The order places the action (making an international call) and its context first, then introduces what is needed (country code) and its position (first).
This sentence means 'Regarding an important matter, I will call you back.' The sequence starts with the reason for the call (important matter), followed by the action (calling back) and the polite expression of doing so.
Choose the most appropriate synonym for 「電話」 in a formal business context.
While 「通話」 refers to the act of speaking on the phone and 「コール」 is a loanword for a call, 「連絡」 (contact/communication) is a broader term often used in business to politely refer to making or receiving a phone call, especially when requesting someone to do so.
When politely asking someone to make a phone call on your behalf, which phrase would be most appropriate using 「電話」?
「電話をお願いできますか」 is a very polite and indirect way to ask someone to make a phone call for you, implying 'Could I trouble you to make a phone call?' The other options are either less polite or offer to make the call yourself.
Which of the following phrases expresses the nuance of 'being disconnected during a phone call'?
「電話が切れる」 specifically means the phone call is disconnected. 「電話が鳴る」 means the phone rings, 「電話がかかる」 means a call comes in, and 「電話に出る」 means to answer the phone.
In a highly formal setting, using 「お電話」 instead of 「電話」 when referring to a phone call from or to a superior is always the most appropriate choice.
While 「お電話」 adds politeness, simply using it isn't always enough for 'highly formal.' Depending on the context and the superior, more honorific verbs or phrases might be required, such as 「お電話を差し上げる」 or 「お電話をいただく」 to show appropriate respect. Just adding 'o' is not a catch-all for ultimate formality.
The phrase 「電話帳」 (denwachō) exclusively refers to a physical, printed phone book and is never used in the context of digital contact lists.
Although traditionally 「電話帳」 refers to a physical phone book, in modern Japanese, it can also be used to refer to a digital contact list or address book on a mobile phone or computer, especially colloquially. For example, 「スマホの電話帳」 (sumaho no denwachō) means 'smartphone's contact list.'
When apologizing for making a late night call, the phrase 「夜分遅くに電話して申し訳ございません」 (yabun osoku denwa shite mōshiwake gozaimasen) is considered standard and highly polite.
This phrase is indeed a standard and highly polite way to apologize for making a late-night phone call. 「夜分遅くに」 (at a late hour of the night) and 「申し訳ございません」 (I am truly sorry) combine to form a very respectful apology.
What did you do recently with an overseas friend?
What happened while you were traveling on the train?
How will today's meeting be conducted?
Read this aloud:
緊急の用件で、上司に電話をかけなければならない状況を想定し、丁寧な言葉遣いで電話をかける練習をしましょう。
Focus: 緊急（きんきゅう）、用件（ようけん）、上司（じょうし）、丁寧（ていねい）、言葉遣い（ことばづかい）
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
友人に電話をかけ、週末の予定について相談する会話をシミュレーションしてみましょう。より自然な会話になるように心がけてください。
Focus: 友人（ゆうじん）、週末（しゅうまつ）、予定（よてい）、相談（そうだん）、自然（しぜん）
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
あなたが顧客サービスの担当者として、苦情の電話を受けた際の対応をロールプレイングしてみましょう。相手を落ち着かせ、解決策を提示する練習です。
Focus: 顧客（こきゃく）、サービス（さーびす）、担当者（たんとうしゃ）、苦情（くじょう）、解決策（かいけつさく）
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are trying to explain the history and evolution of the telephone to a Japanese audience. Write a brief paragraph (3-4 sentences) outlining its journey from invention to modern smartphones, using '電話' appropriately.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
電話はグラハム・ベルによって発明され、当初は一部の限られた人々のためのものでした。しかし、技術の進化とともに、固定電話から携帯電話へと普及し、今やスマートフォンとして私たちの生活に不可欠な存在となっています。この電話の歴史は、コミュニケーションのあり方を大きく変えてきました。
You are writing a review for a new smart '電話' model. Describe its features, pros, and cons in a few sentences, making sure to use '電話' naturally in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この新型電話は、革新的なカメラ機能とバッテリーの持続時間が最大の利点です。しかし、価格が非常に高いことと、一部のアプリケーションとの互換性に欠点があります。全体的には高性能な電話ですが、購入の際は自分のニーズに合っているか慎重に検討すべきでしょう。
You are writing an email to a friend, explaining that you will be unreachable by '電話' for a few days due to a trip to a remote area. Explain why and when you'll be available again.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
来週、山奥へ旅行に行くため、数日間電話がつながらなくなるかもしれません。電波が届かない地域なので、しばらくの間、電話での連絡は難しいかと思います。戻り次第、またこちらから連絡しますね。ご迷惑をおかけしますが、ご理解いただけると嬉しいです。
この文章から読み取れる、固定電話の現代における主な用途は何ですか？
Read this passage:
近年、スマートフォンの普及により、固定電話の利用者は減少の一途を辿っています。特に若い世代では、個人的なコミュニケーション手段として固定電話を用いることは稀であり、ほとんどの連絡は携帯電話やSNSを通じて行われます。しかし、企業や病院などでは、緊急連絡網や顧客対応のため、未だに固定電話が重要な役割を担っています。
この文章から読み取れる、固定電話の現代における主な用途は何ですか？
文章中には「企業や病院などでは、緊急連絡網や顧客対応のため、未だに固定電話が重要な役割を担っています」と明記されています。
文章中には「企業や病院などでは、緊急連絡網や顧客対応のため、未だに固定電話が重要な役割を担っています」と明記されています。
電話が発明される以前の主な情報伝達手段として、この文章で挙げられているものは何ですか？
Read this passage:
歴史的に見ると、電話の発明は情報伝達の速度と範囲を劇的に変化させました。それ以前は手紙や電報が主流でしたが、電話の登場により、リアルタイムでの音声通信が可能になり、地理的な距離の障壁が大きく低減されました。この技術革新は、ビジネス、政治、そして個人の生活に計り知れない影響を与えました。
電話が発明される以前の主な情報伝達手段として、この文章で挙げられているものは何ですか？
文章中に「それ以前は手紙や電報が主流でしたが」と記述されています。
文章中に「それ以前は手紙や電報が主流でしたが」と記述されています。
この文章から、ビジネスにおける電話の重要性について最も適切に説明しているのはどれですか？
Read this passage:
ある調査によると、現代のビジネスパーソンは一日に平均して数十回の電話をかけるか、または受けていると言われています。これは、メールやチャットツールが普及した現在においても、直接的な音声によるコミュニケーションがビジネスにおいて依然として重要視されていることを示しています。特に、複雑な交渉や緊急を要する連絡では、電話の果たす役割は大きいとされています。
この文章から、ビジネスにおける電話の重要性について最も適切に説明しているのはどれですか？
文章中「特に、複雑な交渉や緊急を要する連絡では、電話の果たす役割は大きいとされています」と明確に述べられています。
文章中「特に、複雑な交渉や緊急を要する連絡では、電話の果たす役割は大きいとされています」と明確に述べられています。
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Perfect score!
Basic Meaning of Denwa
「電話」 (denwa) literally means 'electric talk' or 'electric speech.' It's a fundamental word, so make sure you memorize it.
Using Denwa for 'Telephone'
When you want to say 'telephone' as a noun, you use 「電話」. For example, 「電話がありますか？」 (Denwa ga arimasu ka?) means 'Do you have a telephone?'
Using Denwa for 'Phone Call'
「電話」 can also refer to a 'phone call.' For example, 「電話をかけます」 (Denwa o kakemasu) means 'I will make a phone call' or 'I will call someone.'
Verbs with Denwa
The most common verbs used with 「電話」 are 「かける」 (kakeru - to make a call), 「出る」 (deru - to answer a call), and 「する」 (suru - to make a call/call).
예시
電話をかけます。
관련 콘텐츠
communication 관련 단어
について
A2about; concerning
宛先
B1The address or name of the recipient to whom mail or an email is sent.
番地
A2House number
賛同
B1Approval, endorsement; support or agreement with an idea.
~も
A2Too, also.
〜そして
A1And then; and (used to connect sentences or clauses).
〜や
A2And; and so forth (used to list examples, implying others exist).
たり
A2Indicates a non-exhaustive list of actions/states ('and so on').
お知らせ
B1Notice; an announcement or communication.
答え
A2A thing said, written, or done as a reaction to a question or statement.
