Translation guide
In Japanese, 'ordinary mail' refers to standard postal services without special handling like express or registered delivery. The most common term is 普通郵便, but other expressions exist depending on context.
ordinary mail
Most common term for standard postal service.
The default, non-express, non-registered mail service.
The standard term for ordinary mail, used for letters and parcels sent without special services.
I'll send this document by ordinary mail.
A slightly more conversational way to say 'ordinary mail', literally 'normal mail'.
How many days does it take by ordinary mail?
A more formal term, often used in business or official contexts. '通常' means 'usual' or 'regular'.
It will be delivered by regular mail.
Mail without tracking or insurance, contrasted with registered mail (書留).
Explicitly describes ordinary mail as 'not registered mail'. Useful when clarifying the type of service.
Please send important documents by registered mail, and others by ordinary mail.
Mail sent without express delivery service, slower but cheaper.
Clarifies that the mail is not express. '速達' means express delivery.
It's not urgent, so ordinary mail (not express) is fine.
普通郵便 is the everyday term for ordinary mail. 通常郵便 is more formal and often appears in written notices or business contexts. In casual conversation, 普通の郵便 is also natural.
Avoid using 平凡な郵便 or 普通な郵便. The correct collocation is 普通郵便 or 普通の郵便.
I sent the package by ordinary mail.
Ordinary mail takes about three days.
Often used in contrast with 書留 (registered mail) in everyday conversation.
Which would you like, ordinary mail or registered mail?
Commonly used when choosing between express and regular service at the post office.
Would you like express or ordinary mail?