Translation guide
A letter that has been closed and secured, often with a seal, to ensure privacy or authenticity. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific nouns and verbs related to sealing.
A letter that has been sealed shut, typically with glue or a sticker, to prevent unauthorized opening.
A letter closed with a wax seal, often for official or ceremonial purposes.
Specifically refers to a letter sealed with sealing wax. Used when the wax seal is important.
封蝋で封をした手紙を受け取った。
I received a letter sealed with wax.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often refer to the envelope (封筒, ふうとう) rather than the sealed letter itself. For example, '封筒に入れて送って' means 'Send it in an envelope,' implying it should be sealed.
封筒に入れて送ってください。
Please send it in a sealed envelope.
Directly translating 'sealed letter' as シールドレター or 密封手紙 (みっぷうてがみ) is unnatural. Use the terms above instead.
I will send it as a sealed letter.
封書のまま保管してください。
Please keep it as a sealed letter.
Literally 'a letter with a seal', this phrase emphasizes the action of sealing. Natural in everyday speech.
封をした手紙をポストに入れた。
I put the sealed letter in the mailbox.
A secret or confidential sealed letter, often used in historical or spy contexts.
彼は密書を携えて国境を越えた。
He crossed the border carrying a sealed secret letter.
A formal term for a sealed document or letter, often with an official seal. Rare in modern usage.
封印状が届けられた。
A sealed letter was delivered.