携帯電話

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 携帯電話, read けいたいでんわ, and it combines 携帯, meaning portable or carried, with 電話, meaning telephone.
• Basic usage: The basic sense of 携帯電話 is a mobile or cell phone that can be carried and used for wireless calls and communication.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The device name rather than the act of carrying
  • Both examples use the form 携帯電話. 携帯 alone can refer to carrying or something portable, whereas 携帯電話 unambiguously identifies the phone device.
• A phone left at home and silencing it during a meeting
  • 家に携帯電話を忘れてしまいました。 — I left my mobile phone at home.
  • 会議中は携帯電話の音を切ってください。 — Please silence your cell phone during the meeting.