Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'mailbox' depends on whether you mean a public collection box (postbox), a private mailbox at a home, or a digital inbox. The most common term is ポスト, but other words are used in specific contexts.
A red or public box on the street where you drop letters to be collected and sent.
The most common word for a public postbox. It is a loanword from English 'post' and is widely understood.
There's a mailbox on that corner.
Please put the letter in the mailbox.
Literally 'mail post', this is a more formal or explicit term for a public postbox, often used in official contexts.
Where is the mailbox?
A box at your house or building where you receive mail.
The standard term for a private mailbox attached to a house or apartment. It literally means 'mail receiver'.
Please check the mailbox.
Also used for private mailboxes, especially in casual conversation. However, it can be ambiguous, so context is needed.
The folder or area where you receive electronic messages.
ポスト usually refers to a public postbox for sending mail. 郵便受け is a private mailbox for receiving mail. 受信箱 is for digital inboxes. In casual speech, ポスト can be used for private mailboxes, but it's clearer to use 郵便受け for that.
I go to drop a letter in the postbox.
Mail had come to my mailbox.
メールボックス can be misunderstood as a physical mailbox. For email, use 受信箱 or インボックス.
check the inbox
I bought a new mailbox.
The newspaper was in the mailbox at home.
A direct loanword from English 'mailbox'. It is understood but less common than 郵便受け or ポスト. Sometimes used for apartment building mailboxes.
I opened the apartment mailbox.
The email arrived in my inbox.