To provide an item retrieval method for portable terminal equipment, which is good in operability without any limitation on the number of input characters and capable of speedily retrieving an objective item.

When one character 'no' is selected, the relevant character is inputted and an item number '36' corresponding to characters 'a-i-no' inputted up to the moment is displayed. When a determine key 21 is operated in this case, the list screen of items corresponding to these inputted characters 'a-i-no' is displayed and the item selection of a user is made possible. When one character is further selected without operating the determine key 21, relevant items are narrowed down according to the procedure and finally, the user selects an item on the list screen of items.