Translation guide
The English verb 'enclose' has several distinct uses: putting something inside an envelope or package, surrounding an area with a fence or wall, and including additional documents with a letter. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To place something inside an envelope, package, or container, especially when sending it.
The most common and natural verb for enclosing something in the same envelope or package. Used especially for documents, photos, or checks sent with a letter.
写真を同封してください。
Please enclose a photo.
We will enclose the invoice.
A general verb meaning 'to put in'. Can be used for enclosing items in a package or envelope, but is less formal than 同封する.
封筒に書類を入れて送った。
I enclosed the documents in an envelope and sent them.
A more formal or technical term for enclosing something in an envelope. Often used in business or official contexts.
アンケート用紙を封入してください。
Please enclose the questionnaire form.
To build a fence, wall, or barrier around an area.
The most common verb for surrounding or enclosing an area with a physical barrier. Can be used for fences, walls, hedges, etc.
庭を塀で囲んだ。
We enclosed the garden with a wall.
その土地はフェンスで囲まれている。
The land is enclosed by a fence.
Emphasizes completely surrounding something, often with a nuance of encircling or hemming in. Can also be used for people surrounding something.
A noun-based phrase meaning 'to put up an enclosure'. Often used for temporary or simple enclosures like fences or pens.
畑に囲いをして動物が入らないようにした。
We enclosed the field to keep animals out.
To include an additional document, file, or item along with a letter or message.
The standard phrase for enclosing physical items with a letter. Use the particle を to mark the enclosed item.
履歴書を同封して郵送した。
I enclosed my resume and mailed it.
Used for attaching files to emails. Not used for physical mail.
メールに写真を添付しました。
I enclosed (attached) a photo to the email.
A casual way to say you put something in the envelope. Less formal than 同封する.
手紙に写真を入れた。
I enclosed a photo in the letter.
同封する is for physical items enclosed in an envelope or package. 添付する is for digital files attached to emails. Do not use 添付する for physical mail.
The English verb 'enclose' can be translated as 囲む, but avoid using 同封する or 封入する for surrounding an area. Those are only for putting things into envelopes.
城は高い壁で取り囲まれていた。
The castle was enclosed by high walls.