Translation guide
In Japanese, 'postal service' can refer to the overall mail system, the act of sending mail, or specific services. The most common way to talk about the postal service is using 郵便 (yūbin), which broadly covers mail and the postal system. For the physical post office, use 郵便局 (yūbinkyoku). When referring to the service itself, 郵便サービス (yūbin sābisu) is a direct loanword equivalent, but 郵便 is often sufficient.
Referring to the overall system of sending letters and packages, or the concept of mail service.
The most common and natural word for 'mail' or 'postal service' as a system. It can be used in compounds like 郵便番号 (postal code) or 郵便局 (post office).
Japan's postal service is very reliable.
A more explicit way to say 'postal service', often used in business or formal contexts. It emphasizes the service aspect.
The postal service is suspended.
Refers to the postal administration or the government-run postal system. Often used in news or formal discussions about postal policy.
Referring to the building or office where you go to send mail or packages.
Referring to the act of delivering mail or the delivery service itself.
Referring to the physical items sent through the postal service.
In most everyday situations, 郵便 (yūbin) is enough to mean 'postal service'. Adding サービス makes it sound more like a commercial service, similar to 'postal service' in English. Use 郵便サービス when emphasizing the service aspect or in business contexts.
郵便 (yūbin) refers to the mail system or mail itself, while 郵便局 (yūbinkyoku) is the physical post office. Saying 郵便に行く is incorrect; you must say 郵便局に行く.
I'll send the documents by mail.
郵政民営化が議論されている。
Privatization of the postal service is being debated.
The standard word for 'post office'. Use this when talking about the physical location.
Where is the post office?
I bought stamps at the post office.
Literally 'mail delivery'. This is the most direct way to talk about the delivery of mail.
Mail delivery comes every day in the morning.
A general term for 'delivery' that can include postal delivery, but also courier services. Often used in tracking contexts.
Check the delivery status.
A formal term for 'mail items' or 'postal matter'. Used when talking about the items themselves, especially in official contexts.
You have mail (a postal item has arrived).
Specifically means 'letter'. Use this when referring to personal correspondence sent by mail.
I sent a letter to my friend.
Means 'package' or 'parcel'. Use this for boxes or larger items sent through the postal service.
Send a package by mail.