Translation guide
The person you are speaking or writing to. In Japanese, this is rarely expressed with a direct equivalent of 'addressee'. Instead, it is shown through context, honorifics, name suffixes, and sentence endings.
Referring to the person you are currently addressing in conversation or writing.
A general word for 'the other person' or 'partner' in a conversation or interaction. Can be used when you need to explicitly refer to the addressee.
相手の名前を確認してください。
Please confirm the addressee's name.
Specifically 'the person one is talking to'. More conversational than 相手 alone.
話し相手の反応を見ながら話す。
Speak while watching the addressee's reactions.
Referring to the recipient of mail or a delivery.
The address or the named recipient on a letter/package. Commonly used in postal contexts.
宛先を間違えないでください。
Please don't get the addressee wrong.
The recipient of a package or registered mail. More formal, often used on delivery slips.
A formal or legal term for the named addressee. Rare in everyday speech.
Referring to the addressee as a grammatical or discourse role.
The listener or hearer in a communicative act. Standard in linguistic contexts.
日本語では、聞き手によって敬語の使い方が変わる。
In Japanese, the use of honorifics changes depending on the addressee.
The receiver of a message; can be used in communication theory.
In natural Japanese, you rarely need a word for 'addressee' when speaking. Instead, use the person's name with an appropriate suffix (さん, 様, etc.) or omit the subject entirely. Using 相手 or 話し相手 in direct address can sound impersonal or analytical.
The addressee's signature is required.
名宛人が不在の場合は、郵便局で保管されます。
If the addressee is absent, the item will be held at the post office.
It is important that the addressee understands the message correctly.