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.
Japanese often omits the subject when it is clear from context. The addressee is indicated by polite forms (です/ます) and honorifics rather than a separate word.
How are you? (The 'you' is understood from context.)
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.
Please confirm the addressee's name.
Specifically 'the person one is talking to'. More conversational than 相手 alone.
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.
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.
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.