Translation guide
The English phrase "one letter" can refer to a single alphabetic character, a single written correspondence, or a single character in a writing system. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Referring to one letter of the alphabet, such as 'A' or 'B'.
Literally 'one character'. Used for a single letter or character, especially in contexts like spelling or writing.
名前を一文字ずつ言ってください。
Please say your name one letter at a time.
Also means 'one character', often used in formal or written contexts. Can refer to a single kanji or letter.
この単語は一字足りない。
This word is missing one letter.
Explicitly 'one letter of the alphabet'. Useful when distinguishing from other characters.
パスワードにはアルファベット一文字が必要です。
The password requires one letter of the alphabet.
Referring to one piece of mail, such as a letter you write and send to someone.
The standard way to say 'one letter' as a piece of mail. 一通 (いっつう) is the counter for letters.
彼から一通の手紙が届いた。
I received one letter from him.
Same meaning, but with the counter after the noun. Slightly more formal or written style.
手紙一通を送るのにいくらかかりますか。
How much does it cost to send one letter?
Referring to one character in Japanese or other scripts, not necessarily alphabetic.
Works for any single character, including kanji, hiragana, or katakana.
この漢字一文字で何と読みますか。
How do you read this one kanji character?
Often used for kanji, especially in contexts like calligraphy or testing.
一字一字丁寧に書いてください。
Please write carefully, one character at a time.
文字 (もじ) means a character or letter of a writing system, while 手紙 (てがみ) means a letter you send in the mail. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
When counting letters as mail, use the counter 通 (つう). For characters, use 文字 (もじ) or 字 (じ) with numbers, or the generic counter つ for small numbers (e.g., 一つ).