Translation guide
The English word "parcel" can refer to a package, a piece of land, or a quantity of goods. This guide covers the most common ways to express these meanings in Japanese, focusing on natural usage for English-speaking learners.
To refer to a box, envelope, or wrapped item sent through postal or delivery services.
The standard word for a postal parcel or package. Commonly used in everyday conversation and at the post office.
A parcel arrived.
I'd like to send this parcel to the US.
General term for luggage, baggage, or a package. Often used for parcels in the context of delivery, but broader than 小包.
I've come to deliver your parcel. (polite delivery phrase)
I sent the parcel by courier.
Refers specifically to a home-delivery parcel service (like Yamato or Sagawa). Often used when talking about the service itself or a parcel sent via such a service.
Please send it by parcel delivery service.
To refer to a defined area or plot of land, especially in real estate or legal contexts.
A plot or parcel of land, often used in real estate and urban planning. Implies a measured, divided piece.
This parcel of land is being sold as residential land.
General word for land or a plot of land. Can be used for a parcel, but is broader and less specific than 区画.
A more formal or legal term for a plot or parcel of land. Often used in documents.
To refer to a batch or lot of goods, often bought, sold, or transported together.
Often used as '一括で' or '一括の' to mean 'in one lot' or 'as a parcel'. Common in business contexts.
To purchase goods as a parcel (in one lot).
Loanword from English 'lot', used in manufacturing and trade for a batch or parcel of goods.
Literally 'one pile', used in markets or auctions for a parcel of goods sold together. Informal.
The direct loanword パーセル (pāseru) is rarely used in Japanese and may not be understood. Stick to the native terms above.
小包 specifically means a postal parcel, while 荷物 is a broader term for any luggage or package. Use 小包 when you want to emphasize it's a mailed item.
He bought a small parcel of land in the suburbs.
That parcel of land is registered.
This parcel (lot) contains defective items.
市場で魚を一山いくらで買った。
I bought a parcel of fish at the market for a set price.