1.
answering machine; voicemail
A device or service that automatically answers phone calls and records messages when the recipient is unavailable. In modern usage, often refers to the voicemail function on mobile phones.
留守番電話にメッセージを残した。
I left a message on the answering machine.
電話に出られないときは留守番電話に切り替わります。
When I can't answer the phone, it switches to voicemail.
留守番電話を確認したら、病院からのメッセージが入っていた。
When I checked my voicemail, there was a message from the hospital.
COMPOSITION:
留守番 (house-sitting, looking after the house while someone is out) + 電話 (telephone). Literally "house-watching telephone" — a phone that answers on your behalf while you are away.
ABBREVIATION:
Often shortened to 留守電 in casual speech.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 留守番電話にメッセージを残す (to leave a voicemail)
- 留守番電話を確認する (to check voicemail)
- 留守番電話に切り替わる (to switch to voicemail)