In 15 Seconds
- Used for jotting down quick information.
- Combines 'memo' with the verb 'to take'.
- Essential for showing diligence in professional settings.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to say you're jotting something down to remember it later. It's like catching a fleeting thought and pinning it to paper or your phone.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a university lecture
Sensei no hanashi no memo o toru.
I take notes on what the teacher says.
On the phone with a client
Wasurenai you ni, memo o totte okimasu.
I'll take a note so I don't forget.
Texting a forgetful friend
Chotto! Memo totte yo!
Hey! Take a note!
Cultural Background
In Japan, the act of taking notes is deeply tied to the concept of 'shigoto no kihon' (work basics). New employees are often explicitly taught to always carry a memo pad to show they are ready to learn. This has led to a thriving market for 'pocket-sized' notebooks designed specifically for one-handed note-taking.
The 'Suru' Shortcut
If you're in a hurry, just say `memo shimasu`. It's faster and very common in casual speech.
Digital vs. Paper
While `memo o toru` works for phones, in traditional Japanese companies, using a physical notebook is often seen as more polite than typing on a phone.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for jotting down quick information.
- Combines 'memo' with the verb 'to take'.
- Essential for showing diligence in professional settings.
What It Means
Memo o toru is a very common expression. It means writing down information quickly. You use it when you don't want to forget something. It is the Japanese equivalent of 'taking notes'.
How To Use It
You use the object marker o between memo and toru. The verb toru usually means 'to take'. In this case, you are 'taking' the information onto paper. For a polite version, say memo o torimasu. If you are telling a friend to write something down, say memo totte!
When To Use It
Use this in a classroom when the teacher speaks. Use it in a business meeting for key points. It is perfect when someone gives you their phone number. You can even use it while watching a cooking show. Basically, use it anytime your brain needs a backup drive.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for long-form writing like an essay. It is specifically for short, quick notes. Also, don't use it for recording audio or video. That would be rokuon or rokuga. If you are just doodling, this isn't the right phrase either.
Cultural Background
Japan has a massive love for stationery. Many people carry high-quality notebooks like Hobonichi. In Japanese offices, taking notes is a sign of respect. It shows you are listening intently to your boss. Even if you have a great memory, taking a memo is good manners. It proves you take the conversation seriously. Plus, showing off a cool pen is a bonus.
Common Variations
You might hear memo suru quite often. This is a shorter, more casual version. It turns 'memo' into a verb. Another formal version is hikaeru. This means to 'note down' or 'refrain', but in a business context, it means taking notes professionally. If you are using a digital device, you still say memo o toru.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral collocation suitable for almost any situation. In business, it's often used with 'totte okimasu' (I will take a note for later) to show reliability.
The 'Suru' Shortcut
If you're in a hurry, just say `memo shimasu`. It's faster and very common in casual speech.
Digital vs. Paper
While `memo o toru` works for phones, in traditional Japanese companies, using a physical notebook is often seen as more polite than typing on a phone.
The Respect Factor
Taking notes while someone is giving you advice is a huge compliment in Japan. It shows you value their words as 'gold'.
Examples
6Sensei no hanashi no memo o toru.
I take notes on what the teacher says.
A standard academic use of the phrase.
Wasurenai you ni, memo o totte okimasu.
I'll take a note so I don't forget.
Using 'totte oku' implies doing it for future benefit.
Chotto! Memo totte yo!
Hey! Take a note!
A casual, slightly bossy way to remind a friend.
Daiji na koto dakara, memo o toranaito.
This is important, so I have to take notes.
Expressing a personal necessity to record info.
Resipi no memo o toru no o wasureta!
I forgot to take notes on the recipe!
A common, relatable everyday mistake.
Sumimasen, memo o totte mo ii desu ka?
Excuse me, may I take some notes?
A polite way to ask permission before writing during a talk.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle and verb to complete the phrase 'take notes'.
Wasurenai you ni, ___ ___ ___.
The standard collocation is 'memo' + 'o' (object marker) + 'toru' (to take).
Make the phrase polite for a business setting.
Kaigi no naiyou o ___ ___ ___.
The '-masu' form 'torimasu' makes the phrase appropriately polite for work.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels of Taking Notes
Used with friends or for yourself.
Memo totte!
Standard daily usage.
Memo o toru.
Business meetings or interviews.
Memo o hikaeru.
Where to use 'Memo o toru'
At a Restaurant
Writing down a recommendation.
Work Meeting
Recording action items.
Phone Call
Jotting a phone number.
Classroom
Noting the teacher's exam tips.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesWasurenai you ni, ___ ___ ___.
The standard collocation is 'memo' + 'o' (object marker) + 'toru' (to take).
Kaigi no naiyou o ___ ___ ___.
The '-masu' form 'torimasu' makes the phrase appropriately polite for work.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot really. For a diary, use nikki o kaku. Memo o toru is specifically for quick, functional notes.
Kaku just means 'to write'. Memo o toru is the set phrase for the act of taking notes. You can say memo o kaku, but toru sounds more natural for the process.
Yes! It is a 'gairaigo' (loanword) from 'memorandum'. It is used very frequently in Japan.
Absolutely. Whether it's paper, a tablet, or a smartphone, the phrase remains memo o toru.
You would say memo o toru no o wasureta. It's a very common thing to admit!
Yes, but use the polite form: memo o torimasu. It shows you are being a diligent worker.
You can say kaimono risuto no memo o toru, but usually people just say kaimono risuto o kaku.
In very formal business, you might use bikou or kiroku, but memo is fine for 95% of situations.
No! While toru can mean steal (different kanji), here it means 'to capture' or 'to record' information.
You can, but note usually refers to the physical notebook itself (noto). Memo is the standard word for the act of note-taking.
Related Phrases
書き留める (kakitomeru) - to write down/record
メモする (memo suru) - to make a memo
控える (hikaeru) - to note down (formal)
記録する (kiroku suru) - to record/document
