When asking for someone's telephone number, you can use 「でんわばんごうはなんですか。」 (Denwa bangou wa nan desu ka?) which directly translates to "What is your telephone number?" However, a more natural and polite way to ask in Japanese is 「でんわばんごうをおしえていただけますか。」 (Denwa bangou o oshiete itadakemasu ka?) meaning "Could you please tell me your telephone number?"
To give your telephone number, you would say 「わたしの でんわばんごうは 〜 です。」 (Watashi no denwa bangou wa ~ desu.) meaning "My telephone number is ~." When reciting numbers, remember that each digit is usually stated individually.
It's important to note that direct requests for personal information like telephone numbers can sometimes be considered a bit forward in Japanese culture unless you have an established relationship. Often, an exchange of business cards (meishi) is a more common way to share contact information in a formal setting.
Therefore, understanding the nuances of when and how to ask for and give telephone numbers is crucial for effective communication in Japanese.
When discussing 'でんわばんごう' (denwa bangou), it's important to understand its cultural implications beyond a simple translation of 'telephone number.' While fundamentally a sequence of digits for identification, in Japan, the way you ask for or give a number can carry significant social nuance. For instance, directly asking for someone's number without prior established rapport might be considered overly forward, whereas in some Western cultures, it's a common initial step in getting to know someone. The phrase 'でんわばんごうを教えてください' (denwa bangou o oshiete kudasai - Please tell me your telephone number) is polite, but context is key. Often, exchanging LINE IDs or other messaging app contacts is more common than directly swapping phone numbers in many social situations, especially among younger generations. Therefore, while the literal meaning is straightforward, the social etiquette surrounding the exchange of 'でんわばんごう' is a crucial aspect of C1-level understanding.
§ What でんわばんごう means and how to use it
Let's learn about the Japanese word でんわばんごう (denwa bangou). This is a really practical word you'll use often, whether you're living in Japan, traveling there, or just talking with Japanese speakers.
- DEFINITION
- A sequence of digits used to identify a telephone.
Simply put, でんわばんごう means 'phone number' in Japanese. You use it exactly how you'd use 'phone number' in English. If you need to ask for someone's contact information, give your own, or just talk about phones in general, this word is essential.
Here are some common situations where you'll hear and use でんわばんごう:
- When someone asks for your contact details.
- When you need to provide your number for a reservation or a form.
- When you're discussing how to contact someone.
- When you want to save a new contact on your phone.
It's a straightforward noun, so you can easily plug it into sentences you already know how to build.
あなたのでんわばんごうを教えてください。
(Please tell me your phone number.)
私のでんわばんごうは090-XXXX-XXXXです。
(My phone number is 090-XXXX-XXXX.)
When you're asked for your phone number, you can simply state the numbers. Japanese phone numbers are usually read out digit by digit, or in groups of two or three, separated by a dash. For example, 090-1234-5678 would be read as ゼロ キュウ ゼロ の イチ ニ サン シ の ゴ ロク ナナ ハチ (zero kyuu zero no ichi ni san shi no go roku nana hachi). The の (no) is often used to indicate the dashes.
Understanding and using でんわばんごう correctly will make many interactions smoother and more efficient. It's one of those foundational vocabulary words that really unlocks more complex conversations about communication and logistics. Practice saying it, and practice asking for and giving numbers. You'll get the hang of it quickly!
Don't overthink it. Just remember it's 'phone number,' and you're good to go.
Alright, let's break down 電話番号 (denwabangou), which means "telephone number." It's a pretty straightforward word, but knowing how to use it correctly in sentences is key. You'll hear and use this one a lot when asking for or giving contact information.
§ The Basics of 電話番号 (denwabangou)
- Japanese Word
- 電話番号 (でんわばんごう)
- Part of Speech
- Noun
- Meaning
- Telephone number
Just like in English, 電話番号 (denwabangou) is what you say when you're talking about someone's phone number. It's a compound word made up of 電話 (denwa - telephone) and 番号 (bangou - number).
§ Asking for a Phone Number
The most common way you'll use 電話番号 (denwabangou) is when you want to ask someone for their phone number. Here's a polite way to do it:
電話番号を教えてください。
(Denwabangou o oshiete kudasai.)
This translates to "Please tell me your telephone number."
- 電話番号 (denwabangou): Telephone number
- を (o): The direct object particle. It marks what you want someone to tell you.
- 教えてください (oshiete kudasai): Please tell (me). This is a polite request.
§ Giving Your Phone Number
When someone asks you for your number, you can simply state it. Often, you'll hear people say:
私の電話番号は090-XXXX-XXXXです。
(Watashi no denwabangou wa 090-XXXX-XXXX desu.)
This means "My telephone number is 090-XXXX-XXXX."
- 私の (watashi no): My.
- 電話番号 (denwabangou): Telephone number.
- は (wa): Topic particle. It marks "my telephone number" as the topic of the sentence.
- 090-XXXX-XXXX: Your actual phone number.
- です (desu): The polite copula, meaning "is/am/are."
§ Talking About Someone Else's Phone Number
You can also use 電話番号 (denwabangou) to talk about someone else's phone number. Just replace 私の (watashi no) with the person's name followed by の (no).
山田さんの電話番号を知っていますか？
(Yamada-san no denwabangou o shitte imasu ka?)
This asks, "Do you know Yamada-san's telephone number?"
- 山田さん (Yamada-san): Mr./Ms. Yamada.
- の (no): Possessive particle, indicating "Yamada's."
- 電話番号 (denwabangou): Telephone number.
- を (o): Direct object particle.
- 知っていますか (shitte imasu ka): Do you know?
§ Grammar Notes
電話番号 (denwabangou) is a noun, so it behaves like other nouns in Japanese sentences. Remember your particles!
- を (o): Use this when 電話番号 is the direct object of a verb (e.g., teaching, telling, knowing).
- は (wa): Use this to mark 電話番号 as the topic of your sentence (e.g., "My phone number IS...").
- の (no): Use this to show possession (e.g., "Mr. Tanaka's phone number").
Keep practicing these simple sentence structures, and you'll be confidently talking about phone numbers in no time. がんばってね (Gambatte ne)! Good luck!
Understanding when to use specific words in Japanese is crucial for sounding natural. Let's look at 「でんわばんごう」 (denwa bangou) and compare it to some related terms to make sure you're using it correctly.
§ でんわばんごう (denwa bangou) - Telephone Number
This is the most direct and common way to refer to a telephone number. Use it in almost any situation when you're talking about the sequence of digits used to call someone. It's polite and universally understood.
- DEFINITION
- A sequence of digits used to identify a telephone.
あなたのでんわばんごうを教えてください。
(Please tell me your telephone number.)
携帯電話のでんわばんごうはこれです。
(My mobile phone number is this.)
§ 番号 (bangou) - Number
「ばんごう」 (bangou) simply means "number." You can use it as a standalone word when the context clearly indicates you're talking about a telephone number. However, it's less specific than 「でんわばんごう」. It's often used when shortening 「でんわばんごう」 in casual conversation, or when discussing numbers in general (e.g., room number, bus number).
- When the context is clear: If someone just asked for your phone number, you could reply with just 「ばんごう」.
- In general discussions about numbers: 「部屋のばんごう」 (heya no bangou - room number), 「バスのばんごう」 (basu no bangou - bus number).
あなたのばんごうは？
(What's your number? - Implies phone number if context is there.)
部屋のばんごうを教えてください。
(Please tell me the room number.)
§ 携帯番号 (keitai bangou) - Mobile Number
「けいたいばんごう」 (keitai bangou) is a more specific term for a mobile phone number. 「けいたい」 (keitai) is short for 「けいたいでんわ」 (keitai denwa - mobile phone). You would use this when you want to specify that it's a mobile number, rather than a landline.
- DEFINITION
- A sequence of digits used to identify a mobile telephone.
私の携帯番号は090-XXXX-XXXXです。
(My mobile number is 090-XXXX-XXXX.)
彼の携帯番号を知っていますか？
(Do you know his mobile number?)
§ まとめ (Summary)
Here’s a quick recap to help you choose the right word:
- でんわばんごう (denwa bangou): Your safest bet. Use it for any telephone number, mobile or landline, in most situations.
- ばんごう (bangou): Use when the context is already clear that you're talking about a phone number, or for other types of numbers.
- けいたいばんごう (keitai bangou): Use specifically when you want to emphasize that it's a mobile phone number.
By keeping these distinctions in mind, you'll be able to communicate more precisely in Japanese when talking about phone numbers. Practice using them in different contexts to get a feel for what sounds most natural.
Fun Fact
The character '電' (den) literally means 'electricity' and '話' (wa) means 'speak.' So, 'denwa' is an 'electric speak' machine.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
あなたのでんわばんごうはなんですか？
What is your phone number?
でんわばんごうをおしえていただけますか？
Could you please tell me your phone number?
でんわばんごうをメモしてください。
Please make a note of the phone number.
でんわばんごうがかわりました。
My phone number has changed.
まちがったでんわばんごうです。
It's the wrong phone number.
でんわばんごうはひつようですか？
Do you need a phone number?
かれのでんわばんごうをしっていますか？
Do you know his phone number?
でんわばんごうをまちがえてしまいました。
I made a mistake with the phone number.
でんわばんごうをもういちどおねがいします。
Could I have the phone number again, please?
このでんわばんごうはつかえません。
This phone number is not in use.
Grammar Patterns
Sentence Patterns
〜の でんわばんごう
わたしの でんわばんごう (My phone number)
でんわばんごうは 〜です
でんわばんごうは 090-XXXX-XXXX です。(My phone number is 090-XXXX-XXXX.)
おでんわばんごうは？
おでんわばんごうは なんばん ですか？ (What is your phone number?)
〜の でんわばんごうを おしえてください
あなたの でんわばんごうを おしえてください。 (Please tell me your phone number.)
〜に でんわばんごうを かく
かみ に でんわばんごうを かいてください。(Please write the phone number on the paper.)
でんわばんごうを こうかんする
でんわばんごうを こうかんしませんか？ (Shall we exchange phone numbers?)
でんわばんごうが わかる
かのじょ の でんわばんごうが わかりますか？ (Do you know her phone number?)
でんわばんごうを まちがえる
でんわばんごうを まちがえました。(I dialed the wrong phone number.)
Word Family
Nouns
Word Origin
From 'denwa' (電話), meaning 'telephone,' and 'bangou' (番号), meaning 'number.'
Original meaning: Telephone number.
Sino-Japanese (電話 is from Chinese, 番号 is a native Japanese word that uses Chinese characters.)Cultural Context
When exchanging phone numbers in Japan, it's common to explicitly ask for 'denwa bangou.' It's also typical for people to save numbers in their phones rather than writing them down, especially among younger generations.
Test Yourself 60 questions
私の___は090-1234-5678です。
The sentence is asking for a phone number.
すみません、___を教えてください。
The speaker is asking for someone's phone number.
あなたの___は何ですか？
This is a direct question asking for a phone number.
新しい___を覚えました。
The sentence implies remembering a new phone number.
友達の___を知りません。
This sentence means 'I don't know my friend's phone number.'
ここに___を書いてください。
The request is to write down a phone number here.
Listen for the question about a phone number.
Listen for the speaker identifying their phone number.
Listen for someone asking for a phone number.
Read this aloud:
でんわばんごう は なん です か。
Focus: den-wa-ban-goh wa nan desu ka
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
わたしの でんわばんごう は 123-456-7890 です。
Focus: watashi no den-wa-ban-goh wa ichi-ni-san yon-go-roku nana-hachi-kyu-zero desu
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
でんわばんごう を おしえて ください。
Focus: den-wa-ban-goh o oshiete kudasai
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Which of these means 'telephone number'?
でんわばんごう (denwa bangou) specifically refers to a 'telephone number'. でんわ (denwa) is 'telephone', ばんごう (bangou) is 'number', and けいたい (keitai) is 'mobile phone'.
If someone asks for your 'でんわばんごう', what are they asking for?
でんわばんごう (denwa bangou) translates to 'telephone number'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'でんわばんごう'?
The most natural and correct usage is asking someone to tell you their phone number. The other options are grammatically or contextually incorrect.
「電話番号」 (denwa bangou) means 'email address'.
「電話番号」 (denwa bangou) means 'telephone number', not 'email address'.
You can use 「でんわばんごう」 when asking for someone's mobile phone number.
Yes, 「でんわばんごう」 (denwa bangou) is a general term for 'telephone number' and can be used for both landlines and mobile phones. For mobile specifically, you might also hear 「けいたいでんわばんごう」 (keitai denwa bangou).
The Japanese word for 'telephone number' is usually written with hiragana: 「でんわばんごう」.
While it can be written with kanji 「電話番号」, it is also very commonly seen and used in hiragana 「でんわばんごう」, especially in casual contexts or for learners.
Imagine you need to ask someone for their phone number in a polite way. Write down the Japanese sentence you would use.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
電話番号を教えてください。
You are giving your phone number to a friend. Write a simple Japanese sentence stating your phone number is '090-1234-5678'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私の電話番号は090-1234-5678です。
Your friend asks for your phone number. You want to tell them that you don't have a phone number. Write a Japanese sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
電話番号はありません。
What does Tanaka want from Yamada?
Read this passage:
もしもし、山田さんですか？私、田中です。あなたの電話番号を教えていただけますか？新しいレストランの予約をしたいのですが、連絡先が必要です。
What does Tanaka want from Yamada?
田中さんは山田さんの電話番号を教えてほしいと言っています。
田中さんは山田さんの電話番号を教えてほしいと言っています。
Why does the speaker need the cafe's phone number?
Read this passage:
すみません、このカフェの電話番号を知っていますか？友達が道に迷ってしまったので、教えてあげたいです。
Why does the speaker need the cafe's phone number?
友達が道に迷っているので、カフェの電話番号を教えてあげたいと言っています。
友達が道に迷っているので、カフェの電話番号を教えてあげたいと言っています。
What is the purpose of Suzuki's call?
Read this passage:
A: もしもし、佐藤さんですか？ B: はい、そうです。 A: 私、鈴木です。先日、お忘れ物があったので、お電話いたしました。 B: ああ、ありがとうございます！ A: 電話番号はこれで合っていますか？ B: はい、合っています。
What is the purpose of Suzuki's call?
鈴木さんは佐藤さんの忘れ物について電話しています。
鈴木さんは佐藤さんの忘れ物について電話しています。
___ を教えてください。
The sentence asks for contact information, and '電話番号' (telephone number) fits best here.
彼は新しい携帯電話の___ を私に尋ねた。
When getting a new phone, it's common to share or ask for the '電話番号' (telephone number).
緊急連絡先として、___ を控えておいてください。
'電話番号' (telephone number) is essential as an emergency contact.
ホテルの予約には、お客様の___ が必要です。
Hotels typically require a '電話番号' (telephone number) for reservations to confirm or contact guests.
ウェブサイトに登録するために、___ を入力しました。
Many websites ask for a '電話番号' (telephone number) during registration for verification or contact.
私は友達に新しい___ を教えました。
It's common to share your '電話番号' (telephone number) with friends, especially if it's new.
Do you know her phone number?
Excuse me, could you tell me your phone number?
Please write down the phone number.
Read this aloud:
私の電話番号は080-1234-5678です。
Focus: じゅうしょ (jūsho)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
会社のでんわばんごうは名刺に書いてあります。
Focus: めいし (meishi)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
緊急連絡先のでんわばんごうが必要です。
Focus: きんきゅう (kinkyū)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you need to give your Japanese friend your phone number. Write a short message in Japanese telling them your number and asking them to call you. Use polite language.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私の電話番号は090-XXXX-XXXXです。時間があるときに電話してくださいね。
You are filling out an online form in Japanese and it asks for your phone number. Write down how you would input your number, including the country code if necessary (assume a Japanese context for the number structure).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
電話番号: 090-1234-5678
Write a sentence in Japanese asking someone if you can have their phone number, in a casual but still respectful way.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
もしよかったら、電話番号教えてくれる？
この人は何に困っていますか？
Read this passage:
先日、新しいスマートフォンを買いました。古い電話番号は使えなくなりましたが、新しい電話番号はまだ覚えていません。困っています。
この人は何に困っていますか？
文章には「新しい電話番号はまだ覚えていません。困っています。」と書いてあります。
文章には「新しい電話番号はまだ覚えていません。困っています。」と書いてあります。
田中さんは何のために電話をかけていますか？
Read this passage:
A: もしもし、山田さんのお宅ですか？ B: はい、そうです。 A: 私、田中と申します。以前、お電話番号を伺ったのですが、メモをなくしてしまって。もう一度教えていただけますか？
田中さんは何のために電話をかけていますか？
田中さんは「お電話番号を伺ったのですが、メモをなくしてしまって。もう一度教えていただけますか？」と尋ねています。
田中さんは「お電話番号を伺ったのですが、メモをなくしてしまって。もう一度教えていただけますか？」と尋ねています。
この文章が伝えたいことは何ですか？
Read this passage:
緊急連絡先として、親しい友人の電話番号を登録しておきましょう。何かあった時にすぐに連絡が取れます。
この文章が伝えたいことは何ですか？
文章には「緊急連絡先として、親しい友人の電話番号を登録しておきましょう。何かあった時にすぐに連絡が取れます。」と書いてあります。
文章には「緊急連絡先として、親しい友人の電話番号を登録しておきましょう。何かあった時にすぐに連絡が取れます。」と書いてあります。
This translates to 'What is your phone number?' and is a standard way to ask for someone's contact information.
This means 'It's my new phone number.' and is useful when updating someone with new contact details.
This translates to 'Shall we exchange phone numbers?' and is a common phrase for asking to share contact information.
Choose the most natural way to ask for someone's phone number.
「おしえてください」 (oshite kudasai) is a polite and natural way to ask someone to tell you something. While the others are grammatically correct, they sound less natural in this context.
You want to confirm a phone number. Which of these phrases would you use?
「であっていますか」 (de atte imasu ka) is a common way to ask if something is correct or if it matches. The other options don't convey the same meaning of confirmation.
Someone asks for your phone number, but you don't want to give it. What's a polite refusal?
「すみません、〜できません」 (sumimasen, ~dekimasen) is a polite way to decline a request. 「おしえられません」 (oshieraremasen) means 'I cannot tell you'.
「でんわばんごうをおねがいします」 is a polite way to offer your phone number.
「おねがいします」 (onegaishimasu) is used when making a request. To offer your phone number, you would say something like 「でんわばんごうをどうぞ」 (denwabangō o dōzo) or simply state it.
If someone gives you their phone number, you might say 「ありがとうございます」 (arigatō gozaimasu) to thank them.
It is polite to thank someone when they provide you with information, including their phone number.
In Japanese, it's common to break up a phone number into groups of three or four digits when saying it aloud, similar to English.
While there isn't a single universal rule, phone numbers in Japanese are often pronounced by grouping digits for easier comprehension, much like in English.
Listen to the sentence about what is important to convey in an emergency.
Listen to the sentence about printing a phone number on a business card.
Listen to the sentence about handling phone numbers for security reasons.
Read this aloud:
緊急時には、まず自分の電話番号を伝えることが重要です。
Focus: きんきゅうじには、まず じぶんの でんわばんごうを つたえることが じゅうようです。
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼女は新しいビジネスカードに自分の電話番号を印刷しました。
Focus: かのじょは あたらしい ビジネスカードに じぶんの でんわばんごうを いんさつしました。
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
セキュリティ上の理由から、個人情報の電話番号は慎重に扱うべきです。
Focus: セキュリティじょうの りゆうから、こじんじょうほうの でんわばんごうは しんちょうに あつかうべきです。
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More communication words
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.
