Phrases for the Japanese Post Office: How to Send Letters and Parcels
Sending a postcard to loved ones back home or shipping a box of souvenirs is a common task for travelers and residents in Japan. The Japanese postal system, run by Japan Post (日本郵便 - Nihon Yūbin), is incredibly reliable and efficient. While the staff are very helpful, post offices (郵便局 - yūbinkyoku) are places where a little bit of specific Japanese vocabulary can go a long way.
From buying stamps to choosing a shipping method, knowing what to say will make your visit to the post office quick and easy.
This guide will cover the essential phrases you need to mail anything from a simple letter to an international package.
1. Basic Vocabulary for the Post Office
First, let's learn the names of the things you'll be sending and buying.
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Letter | 手紙 | Tegami |
| Postcard | はがき | Hagaki |
| Stamp | 切手 | Kitte |
| Parcel / Package | 荷物 | Nimotsu |
| Airmail | 航空便 | Kōkūbin |
| Surface Mail (by sea) | 船便 | Funabin |
| EMS (Express Mail) | EMS (イーエムエス) | Ī Emu Esu |
2. Mailing a Letter or Postcard
This is one of the simplest transactions. You can take your postcard or letter to the counter and say where you want to send it.
You (handing over a postcard):
アメリカまでお願いします。
(Amerika made onegaishimasu.)
"To America, please."
If you just need to buy stamps, you can say:
You:
84円切手を一枚ください。
(Hachijū-yon en kitte o ichi-mai kudasai.)
"One 84-yen stamp, please." (Adjust the price and quantity as needed).
3. Sending a Parcel (荷物 - Nimotsu)
When sending a package, you'll need to provide more information. The staff needs to know the destination and your preferred shipping method.
You (placing the box on the counter):
この荷物をイギリスまで送りたいんですが。
(Kono nimotsu o Igirisu made okuritai-n desu ga.)
"I'd like to send this package to the UK."
The staff will then present you with the shipping options. They might ask:
Staff: 発送方法はどうされますか？
(Hassō hōhō wa dō saremasu ka?)
"How would you like to send it?"
You can reply with your choice:
- 航空便でお願いします。 (Kōkūbin de onegaishimasu.) - "Airmail, please." (Faster, more expensive)
- 船便でお願いします。 (Funabin de onegaishimasu.) - "Surface mail, please." (Slower, cheaper)
- 一番安い方法でお願いします。 (Ichiban yasui hōhō de onegaishimasu.) - "The cheapest method, please."
After you choose, you'll be given a shipping label (送り状 - okurijō) to fill out with the recipient's and your own address.
Conclusion
A trip to the Japanese post office is a great, low-stress environment to practice your Japanese. The staff are patient and accustomed to helping foreigners. By learning these key phrases, you can handle your postal needs quickly and efficiently.
So don't be shy—go ahead and send that beautiful postcard or that box of unique Japanese snacks you bought!