Translation guide
A postcard is a rectangular piece of thick paper or thin cardboard intended for writing and mailing without an envelope. In Japanese, the standard term is はがき, but there are specific types and related expressions.
postcard
A typical postcard for mailing, often with a pre-printed stamp.
The most common word for postcard. Can be written as 葉書.
I will send a postcard from my travel destination.
Official postcard issued by the post office, with a pre-printed stamp.
Please buy a postal postcard.
A postcard with a photograph or illustration on one side, often sold as a souvenir.
Picture postcard, literally 'picture postcard'.
This picture postcard is beautiful, isn't it?
A postcard that includes a detachable reply card, often used for RSVPs.
Round-trip postcard; consists of two attached cards, one for sending and one for the reply.
Please send your RSVP for the wedding using the reply-paid postcard.
A postcard issued by the government, often with a pre-printed stamp and specific design.
Government-issued postcard, as opposed to privately made ones.
Government-issued postcards are sold at the post office.
A postcard made by a private company, not the post office.
Privately made postcard; requires you to affix your own stamp.
Please affix a stamp to the private postcard.
In Japan, postcards are often written vertically. The address is written on the right side, and the sender's address on the left. When writing horizontally, follow the same format as a letter.