Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'postman' is most commonly expressed with the word 郵便配達員, but in everyday conversation, people often refer to the delivery person from the post office more simply. This guide covers the standard term, casual alternatives, and related expressions.
Referring to a person whose job is to deliver mail, typically employed by the post office.
Standard, formal term for a postman or mail carrier. Used in official contexts and job titles.
郵便配達員は毎日たくさんの手紙を配達します。
The postman delivers many letters every day.
Casual, friendly way to refer to the postman. Often used by children or in informal conversation. The suffix 〜屋さん indicates a person doing a job.
郵便屋さん is a warm, colloquial term. It's perfectly acceptable in daily conversation, but avoid it in formal writing or when speaking about the profession in an official capacity.
郵便配達員 explicitly means a post office mail carrier. 配達員 is a broader term for any delivery person (e.g., from Yamato, Sagawa). If the context is clear, 配達員 can be used for a postman, but to be precise, use 郵便配達員.
郵便屋さんが来たよ。
The postman is here!
General term for delivery person, not limited to mail. Can be used for parcel delivery services as well. Context usually clarifies it's a postal worker.
配達員が荷物を持ってきた。
The delivery person brought a package.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'the person who delivers mail'. Slightly wordy but natural in speech.
郵便配達の人が自転車で回っています。
The postman is making his rounds on a bicycle.
Refers specifically to a postal worker who both collects and delivers mail. More technical, used within Japan Post or official descriptions.
集配員が郵便ポストから手紙を回収します。
The mail carrier collects letters from the postbox.