LINE

らいん
noun
LINE (messaging app)
1. LINE (messaging app)
LINE; a popular messaging and social media application widely used in Japan
LINEで連絡(れんらく)してね。
Contact me on LINE.
LINEの既読(きどく)がついたのに返事(へんじ)がない。
They read my LINE message but haven't replied.
友達(ともだち)をLINEのグループ(ぐるーぷ)に追加(ついか)した。
I added a friend to the LINE group.

LINE is a messaging app developed by LINE Corporation (originally a subsidiary of the Korean company Naver). Launched in 2011 after the Tohoku earthquake, it became the dominant messaging platform in Japan.

KEY FEATURES:

  • 既読(きどく) (read receipt) - Shows when messages are read
  • スタンプ (stickers) - Decorative images for messaging
  • グループ (groups) - Group chat function
  • 通話(つうわ) (calls) - Voice and video calling

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • LINEする (to send a LINE message, to LINE someone)
  • LINE交換(こうかん)する (to exchange LINE contact info)
  • LINE追加(ついか)する (to add on LINE)
  • 既読(きどく)スルー (ignoring a message after reading it)

CULTURAL NOTE:
LINE is essentially ubiquitous in Japan. Asking for someone's LINE is the standard way to exchange contact information, particularly among younger generations. Many businesses and organizations also use LINE for official communications.

REGISTER: Neutral. Used across all age groups and contexts.

general
Added 2026.1.21 15:42
07500/07806_rain