歩きスマホ
Meaning
Walking while looking at your smartphone — the widely criticised and dangerous habit of texting or browsing while walking.
A compound of 歩き (walking) and スマホ (smartphone), 歩きスマホ refers to the common but dangerous practice of using a phone while walking in public. Japan takes this issue seriously — train stations, sidewalks, and public areas display warnings about it. The term is used in news reports, public safety campaigns, and everyday complaints, making it one of the most recognised tech-related terms in modern Japanese.
Examples
- 歩きスマホしてる人にぶつかりそうになった。 I almost bumped into someone who was on their phone while walking.
- 駅のホームで歩きスマホは本当に危ないからやめてほしい。 Using your phone while walking on the train platform is seriously dangerous — I wish people would stop.
- 歩きスマホのせいで電柱にぶつかって恥ずかしかった。 I walked into a telephone pole because I was on my phone and it was so embarrassing.
Usage Guide
Context: public safety, daily conversation, news
Tone: cautionary, disapproving
Do Say
- 歩きスマホ禁止って書いてあるよ。 (It says no using phones while walking.)
- 歩きスマホしてて階段踏み外しそうになった。 (I almost missed a step because I was on my phone while walking.)
Don't Say
- 歩きスマホを肯定するような使い方は避ける — 日本では社会問題として認識されている (Avoid using this approvingly — it is recognised as a social problem in Japan)
Common Mistakes
- Not realising how seriously Japan treats this issue — there are actual ordinances against it in some cities
Origin & History
Compound of 歩き (walking) + スマホ (smartphone). Became a public safety concern and media buzzword around 2013-2014 as smartphones became ubiquitous in Japan. Featured prominently in railway station warnings and public service announcements.
Cultural Context
Era: 2013-2014 as a recognised social issue
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal awareness
Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. Some cities like Yamato in Kanagawa have enacted ordinances specifically banning it.
Related Phrases
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