Translation guide
In Japan, public mail collection boxes are typically red and called ポスト. For mailing letters, you can also use the post office counter or convenience stores. This guide covers how to refer to and use postboxes in Japanese.
Where is the postbox?
I want to mail this letter.
Use 出す (to send) rather than a direct translation of 'put in postbox'.
The red box on the street where you drop letters to be mailed.
The most common word for a public postbox. It is a loanword from English and refers specifically to the red collection boxes found on streets.
Please put this letter in the postbox.
Where is the nearest postbox?
Literally 'mail postbox'. Used when you need to be more specific, but ポスト alone is usually sufficient.
The postbox is in front of the station.
The place inside a post office where you hand over mail, or a private mailbox.
Sending mail from a convenience store, which often has a mail drop box.
Many convenience stores in Japan have a mail drop box or accept mail at the counter. This phrase means 'to send mail at a convenience store'.
Can I send mail at the convenience store?
ポスト is the public red box for sending mail. 郵便受け is your private mailbox for receiving mail. Using 郵便受け to mean a public postbox will cause confusion.
You can also hand mail to staff at a post office (郵便局) or convenience store, or use a mail drop box inside a convenience store. Just say 郵便を出したいです (I want to send mail).
Is there a postbox near here?
I dropped the letter in the postbox.
Refers to a private mailbox or letterbox at a home or building where mail is received, not a public collection box. Can be confused with 'postbox' by learners.
This is for receiving mail, not for sending. Do not use for public postboxes.
Please check the mailbox.