Japanese word

メモ

Pronunciation

Romajimemo

Meaning

  • nounnote

Example

電話番号をメモします。den wa ban gō o me mo shi ma su

I write down the phone number.

Illustration for メモ (note)

More examples

先生へのメモを書きます。sen sei e no me mo o ka ki ma su

I write a note to my teacher.

買い物の品を忘れないようにメモしておきます。ka i mono no shina o wasu re na i yō ni me mo shi te o ki ma su

I write down the items I need to buy so I will not forget them.

Core concept

A note captures important information briefly for later recall or reference.

Common phrases

  • メモを取るme mo o to ru

    take notes

  • メモを残すme mo o noko su

    leave a note

Similar words

覚え書きoboegaki: A written reminder of information or thoughts kept for later use.
備忘録bibōroku: A written record made to help remember information or tasks.
控えhikae: A copy or written record kept as a reminder or for future reference.

Definition in Japanese

忘れないように、必要な事柄を簡単に書き留めたもの。wasu re na i yō ni hitsu yō na koto gara o kan tan ni ka ki to me ta mo no

Word origin

メモ (memo) comes from English memo, which is short for memorandum and traces back to Latin memorandum, "something to be remembered."

Usage tips

  • The Japanese expression メモする (memo suru) means to jot down information, whereas an English memo is often a formal message within an organization.

Word lists with this word