親書
Meanings
official letter; personal message (from a high official)
Refers to a formal letter or message sent by a high-ranking official such as the Emperor, Prime Minister, or a head of state. Often used in diplomatic or governmental contexts.
The Prime Minister sent an official letter to the President.
The Emperor's personal message was handed to the ambassador.
handwritten letter; autograph letter
Emphasizes that the letter is written by hand, often by the sender personally. Can be used for personal correspondence, but still carries a somewhat formal tone.
He sent me a handwritten letter in his own hand.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉に親書を渡すto hand a personal/official letter to someone
The ambassador handed the president a personal letter from his head of state.
- 〈人〉に親書を託すto entrust someone with a personal/official letter to deliver
The prime minister entrusted the special envoy with a personal letter to deliver.
- 〈人〉に親書を送るto send a personal/official letter to someone
The king sent a personal letter to the leader of the neighboring country.
- 親書を受け取るto receive a personal/official letter
The foreign minister received personal letters from various countries.