メモmemo

1. noun, suru verb, transitive verbnote; memo; memorandum
   私の電話番号でんわばんごうをメモしましたか。↗

   Did you note down my phone number?

• Synonym覚書おぼえがきWrittenA written record kept so as not to forget; also diplomatic memoranda and documents recording agreements. More formal than 「メモ」— casual jottings are 「メモ」.
• Synonym控えひかえNeutralOverlaps with 「メモ」 only as a record kept for reference; it means a duplicate, copy or stub, as in 「領収書の控え」, stressing backup. 「メモ」 is notes you write yourself.
• Synonym手控えてびかえWrittenNotes kept on hand for later reference; it can also mean holding back or restraining oneself. For everyday note-taking, 「メモ」 is the usual word.
• SynonymメモランダムFormalA loanword for 'memorandum', used mostly in formal documents such as diplomatic or business papers. For everyday notes, say 「メモ」.
• Synonym備忘録びぼうろくWrittenA notebook kept specifically for writing things down so they won't be forgotten; the emphasis is on the notebook itself. Individual jotted notes are 「メモ」.
• Synonym控え書きひかえがきWrittenSomething written down briefly for later reference; used far less often than 「メモ」, which is the everyday word.

For notes jotted down casually, use 「メモ」. 「覚書」 covers formal memos and agreement documents, 「メモランダム」 formal diplomatic or business papers, 「備忘録」 a notebook for recording things, and 「控え」 copies or stubs kept for backup.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. あることを忘わすれないように書き留かきとめておくこと。また書き留かきとめたもの。覚え書おぼえがき。メモランダム。