Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'letter received' is typically expressed through verbs or set phrases rather than a direct noun equivalent. The most common way is to use the verb 受け取る (to receive) or the noun 受領 (receipt), but the natural choice depends on context, formality, and whether you are speaking or writing.
To state that a letter has been received, in everyday conversation or informal writing.
This is the most straightforward and common way to say 'I received a letter.' It uses the verb 受け取る (to receive) in the past tense.
昨日、友達から手紙を受け取った。
I received a letter from a friend yesterday.
This emphasizes the arrival of the letter rather than the act of receiving. It's very natural and commonly used.
今朝、手紙が届いた。
A letter arrived this morning.
A formal noun meaning 'receipt' or 'acceptance.' Used in business or official contexts, often in written form.
書類の受領を確認しました。
I have confirmed receipt of the documents.
To formally acknowledge that a letter or document has been received, often in business correspondence.
A humble expression (謙譲語) used to say 'I have received (with respect).' Common in business emails or letters.
ご依頼の書類を確かに拝受しました。
I have certainly received the requested documents.
A polite way to say 'I have received,' using the humble form of する. Suitable for business settings.
お送りいただいた資料を受領いたしました。
I have received the materials you sent.
The polite past form of 受け取る. Less formal than 拝受 but still appropriate for many business situations.
先日、お手紙を受け取りました。
I received your letter the other day.
To indicate that a letter or package has been received, often as a status or checkbox.
Means 'received' or 'receipt completed.' Commonly seen on forms, tracking pages, or stamps.
この荷物は受領済みです。
This package has been received.
Similar to 受領済み but slightly less formal. Used in everyday contexts like delivery notices.
伝票に受取済みの印を押す。
Stamp the slip as received.
受け取る focuses on the action of receiving (the subject is the person). 届く focuses on the arrival of the item (the subject is the letter/package). Use 届く when you want to emphasize that something has arrived, and 受け取る when you want to emphasize that you have taken possession of it.
The English phrase 'letter received' is often a passive or abbreviated form. In Japanese, directly translating it as 手紙は受け取られた (passive) is unnatural. Instead, use active expressions like 手紙を受け取った or 手紙が届いた, or formal phrases like 拝受しました.