手紙(てがみ)

てがみ
noun
letter
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 NOTE:
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:

  • 手紙(てがみ)を書(か)く: to write a letter
  • 手紙(てがみ)を出(だ)す: to send/mail a letter
  • 手紙(てがみ)を受(う)け取(と)る: to receive a letter
  • 手紙(てがみ)が届(とど)く: a letter arrives

RELATED WORDS:

  • 封筒(ふうとう): envelope
  • 便箋(びんせん): letter paper, stationery
  • 郵便(ゆうびん): mail, postal service
  • はがき: postcard
basic
Added 2026.1.7 21:24 · Revised 2026.2.13 2:51
00500/00675_tegami