Translation guide
In Japanese, 'postage' is most commonly expressed as 郵便料金 (yūbin ryōkin) or simply 送料 (sōryō) when referring to shipping costs. The word 切手 (kitte) specifically means 'stamp' but is often used in contexts where postage is implied. For everyday situations like mailing a letter, 切手代 (kitte-dai) is a natural way to say 'cost of postage'.
How much is the postage?
I need to buy postage.
Literally 'I need to buy stamps', the most natural way to express this.
The fee required to send a letter or parcel through the postal system.
The standard term for postage, used in official contexts and on postal websites.
How much is the postage for this letter?
Commonly used for shipping or delivery charges, especially for packages or online shopping.
Literally 'stamp fee', used in casual conversation to refer to the cost of stamps needed for mailing.
The postage might be insufficient.
The physical adhesive stamp affixed to mail.
Indicating that postage has already been paid.
郵便料金 is the formal term for postage, used by Japan Post. 送料 is broader and includes shipping charges for parcels and courier services. 切手代 is casual and refers specifically to the cost of stamps. Use 送料 for online shopping, 切手代 when talking about buying stamps, and 郵便料金 in official contexts.
In everyday Japanese, people often say 切手を貼る (put a stamp on) or 切手代 (stamp cost) instead of explicitly saying 'postage'. If you ask 'How much is the postage?', 切手はいくらですか？ is understood but 郵便料金はいくらですか？ is more precise.
送料は無料です。
Postage is free.
Formal term for 'postage stamp', used in official documents.
Please affix a postage stamp.
The return envelope says 'postage prepaid'.