手紙(てがみ)

てがみ
noun
letter
communication
1. letter
A written message sent to someone, typically by mail.
手紙(てがみ)を書(か)きました。
I wrote a letter.
友達(ともだち)から手紙(てがみ)が来(き)ました。
A letter came from my friend.
手紙(てがみ)を送(おく)ってください。
Please send a letter.
祖母(そぼ)から手紙(てがみ)が届(とど)いて、とても嬉(うれ)しかったです。
I was very happy when a letter arrived from my grandmother.
最近(さいきん)はメールが多(おお)いですが、大切(たいせつ)な時(とき)は手紙(てがみ)を書(か)きます。
These days email is more common, but I write letters on important occasions.

手紙(てがみ) literally means "hand paper" and refers specifically to physical letters, not electronic messages.

Usage

In modern Japan, メール (email) has largely replaced 手紙(てがみ) for everyday correspondence. However, 手紙(てがみ) remains important for formal occasions, thank-you notes, and personal sentiments.

Common expressions

Related words

Related Words

Related: はがき (postcard)
Related: 郵便(ゆうびん) (postal service)
Related: 封筒(ふうとう) (envelope)
Compare: メール (email)
Related: 便箋(びんせん) (letter paper, stationery)
Related: 郵便局(ゆうびんきょく) (post office)
Related: 状(じょう) (letter)
Compare: 封書(ふうしょ) (sealed letter)
Compare: 書簡(しょかん) (letter)
Compare: 書状(しょじょう) (letter)
basic
Added 2026.1.7 21:24 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
00500/00675_tegami