Provided is a portable terminal including a first housing and a second housing combined with the first housing while facing the first housing. The second housing translates about an axis perpendicular to a top face of the first housing while facing the first housing, thereby sequentially opening portions of the first housing and sequentially closing already opened portions of the first housing, thereby increasing diversification in use of the portable terminal. Portions of the first housing are sequentially opened or closed, thereby allowing a user to select a position of the second housing according to a desired function such as voice communication, mail writing, or broadcasting watching.