WORD DETAIL
電話
でんわ
Examples
Included kanji
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
電話is read asでんわand can mean “telephone” or “phone call”, depending on context. - Basic usage: The examples show making a call to one’s mother and a telephone ringing on a desk.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Distinguishing senses and uses
- It can mean a phone call or the device itself;
電話をかけるmeans to call, while電話が鳴るdescribes the phone ringing.
- It can mean a phone call or the device itself;

